Monthly Digest April 2018 Eng - PDF 92

International Current Affairs Current Affairs
Senior IPS officer Archana Ramasundram (58) was appointed as the Director General of Sashastra
Seema Bal (SSB).
With this, she became first woman police officer to lead a central police force that guards the
country’s international borders. She will be in office till the date of her superannuation 30 September
2016.
Prior to this appointment, she was the Director of New Delhi based National Crime Records Bureau
(NCRB). She is 1980batch IPS officer of Tamil Nadu Cadre.
About Sashastra Seema Bal
SSB is one of India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). It was formerly known as the Special
Service Bureau.
Established: 1963 following the SinoIndian War.
Motto: Service, Security and Brotherhood.
Headquarters: New Delhi.
Specialist jurisdictions: National border patrol, security, and integrity. It is entrusted with
guarding the country’s frontiers with Nepal and Bhutan.
Currently, SSB is under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Note: SSB is often referred to as a paramilitary force but it is not one of the three officially defined
paramilitary forces of India. Three forces are Assam Rifles, Special Frontier Force and Indian
Coast Guard.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an international public health emergency over
the explosive spread of the mosquitoborne Zika virus.
It was announced after WHO’s emergency meeting of independent experts headed by WHO Director
General Margaret Chan. The meeting was convened in Geneva, Switzerland to assess the outbreak
of the virus which is linked to birth defects in the Americas.
Key facts
Deceleration of international emergency means that there is underscoring seriousness of outbreak
and needs a coordinated global response and greater attention to stop it.
WHO has predicted that around four million people may be infected with Zika virus in the Americas
(South and North America).
This is the fourth time the WHO has declared an international public health emergency. Earlier, the
UN Health agency had declared two emergencies in 2014 for the deadly Ebola outbreak in West
Africa and a resurgence of polio in Syria and other countries. In 2009, the first emergency was
declared after the H1N1 swine flu pandemic.
About Zika virus
Zika virus is a mosquitoborne virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
It is close cousin of other other vectorborne diseases like Dengue, Chikungunya and Yellow
Fever transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes .
The virus was first identified in 1947 in Uganda and its name has been derived from Zika Forest.
Transmission: Zika virus is not contagious but it is mainly transmitted by daytimeactive Aedes
aegypti mosquitoes after it bites someone infected with the virus and transmit it by biting another
human.
Most common symptoms: Headache, muscle and joint pain, mild fever, rash, pinkeye and
inflammation of the underside of the eyelid.
Linkages: It causes neurological disorders and foetal deformation known as Microcephaly in
which infants are born with abnormally smaller heads that can cause brain damage.
A possible link between the virus and GuillainBarré syndrome (a condition in which the body’s
immune system attacks part of the nervous system) is also suspected.
Treatment and Prevention: There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available. The
best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites and clearing stagnant water where
mosquitoes breed.
International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) longpending 2010 Quota and Governance Reforms have
finally become effective.
These proposed reforms are the biggest change in the governance of the IMF (lender of last resort)
since it was established after World War II in 1945 after the Bretton Woods Conference.
Key facts
Gives boost the representation of emerging economies like India, China, Brazil, Russia and
increases their power and greater say in IMF.
India’s voting rights increased by 0.3% from the current 2.3% to 2.6%. China’s voting rights
increased by 2.2% from current 3.8% to 6 %.
These reforms shifted more than 6% of the quota shares to emerging and developing countries
from the US and European countries. Russia and Brazil also have gained from the reforms.
The combined quotas or the capital resources of IMF also have doubled due to reforms to $659
billion from current $329 billion.
The doubling of quotas means that the shares (roles) of advanced European and Gulf countries
have been reduced and that of emerging nations particularly China has been increased.
China will have the 3rd largest IMF quota and voting share after the US and Japan. While, India,
Russia and Brazil will also be among the top 10 members of the IMF.
The voting power and quota shares of the IMF’s poorest member countries will be protected.
Under the reform, for the first time IMF’s Executive Board will consist entirely of elected Executive
Directors and it ends the category of appointed Executive Directors.
Earlier Scenario: Currently, US, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Canada and Saudi
Arabia are among the top ten members of the IMF. While, the member countries with the 5 largest
quotas appoint an Executive Director.
Background
The reforms were agreed upon by the 188 members of the IMF in 2010 in the aftermath of the global
financial meltdown. However, there implementations were delayed due to the time taken by the US
Congress to approve the changes. But, were finally approved by the US Congress in December
2015.
Sri Lanka has maintained its high ranking in 2015 human development index (HDI) in the South Asia
Region.
In the 2015 Global Human Development Report (HDR) released by UN Development Programme
(UNDP) Sri Lanka was ranked 73rd with an HDI value of 0.757.
Key facts
Rankings of other seven South Asian Countries are Maldives (104), India (130), Bhutan (132),
Bangladesh (142), Nepal (145), Pakistan (147) and Afghanistan (171).
India and Bhutan fall under the medium human development countries category. While Nepal,
Pakistan and Afghanistan fall under low human development countries category.
In the 2014 report, Sri Lanka had occupied the 74th place. Since the end of the civil war in 2009, the
island nation’s rank went up by five positions.
2015 HDR has determined the HDI values by assessing longterm progress of 188 countries and
territories in three basic dimensions of human development viz. (i) Long and healthy life. (ii) Access
to knowledge. (iii) Decent standard of living.
French President Francois Hollande has declared a state of economic emergency to redefine
France’s economic and social model.
Under the ambit emergency, government has proposed series of economic measures to boost long
stagnant economic growth and reduce chronic unemployment.
Proposed economic measures are
Training half a million jobless workers, greater use of apprenticeships and aiding companies for
hiring young workers.
Updating country’s labourfriendly business model in an increasingly online and borderfree
economy.
Loosening rigid working time rules including 35hour workweek and a bonus of 2,000 euros to
small businesses that hire young people.
Integrate youth from France’s troubled suburbs especially minorities who face job discrimination
into the global economy.
These measures will be included in draft economic reform laws which French government is going to
present in parliament.
United States (US) has removed a wide range of nuclear sanctions against Iran after it has meet its
commitments to roll back its nuclear programme.
These sanctions were lifted after International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Iran has
met its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) or Vienna
agreement with P5+1 countries signed in July 2015.
So called P5+1 countries include the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) viz.
USA, Russia, China, UK, France and non permanent member Germany.
Key facts
US has only removed secondary sanctions on Iran that mainly restricts dealings of other countries
with Iran.
These lifted secondary sanctions include financial services, banking, insurance, energy and
petrochemicals, shipping and ports.
However, primary sanctions imposed by US on Iran still remains in force. These sanctions bar US
citizens and companies from doing business with Iran.
Benefits to India
Lifting of primary sanctions will benefit India with lower oil prices on imports from its traditional
supplier Iran and also boost trade opportunities.
It will also bring proposed IndiaPakistanIran (IPI) gas pipeline closer to reality.
Give impetus to development and construction of strategic Chabbar port which is focal point of
India’s gateway to energy rice central Asia and eastern Europe through proposed International
North South Trade Corridor (INSTC).
Chinese President Xi Jinping has formally opened Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in
Beijing.
Background
The bank was formally established in Beijing on 25 December 2015. China’s former Finance Minister
Lou Jiwei was elected as the first Chairman of the Bank’s Council while its former Finance Minister
Jin Liqun was elected its first President.
About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
AIIB multilateral development bank backed by China and is seen as a rival to the World Bank and
Asian Development Bank (ADB).
It has been established to infrastructure projects including energy, transportation, urban
construction and logistics as well as education and healthcare in AsiaPacific region.
Headquarters: Beijing.
Members: Total there are 57 members, of which 37 are regional and 20 nonregional
Prospective Founding Members (PFM).
Authorized capital: It will be of 100 billion US dollars. The initial subscribed capital will be around
50 billion US Dollar and the paidin ratio will be 20 per cent.
Regional character of the Bank: Its regional members (Asian) will be the holding around 75
percent of shares i.e. they will be majority shareholders. They have been allocated their capital
share on quota basis i.e. based on their economic size.
Voting share: For each member country it is based on the size of their economy and not on
authorised capital share to the Bank.
Largest shareholders: China is highest contributor with 30.34 percent stake in authorized capital.
It has 26.06 per cent of the voting rights along with veto powers for certain key decisions. India is
second largest shareholder with 8.52 per cent stake and voting share of 7.5 per cent.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the end of Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa
after all known chains of transmission have been stopped.
WHO’s announcement came with declaration of end disease in Liberia after no positive case was
reported in last 42 days (two 21day incubation cycles of the virus).
Liberia was worst hit in Western Africa by this deadly outbreak which has killed around 4809 people.
It also had completely shattered its economy, health and education sectors.
Earlier Sierra Leone was declared free from Ebola transmission in November 2015 and followed by
Guinea in December 2015. Liberia was first declared free of Ebola transmission in May 2015 but the
virus had reappeared twice since then.
Ebola outbreak
Guinea was birthplace of deadliest Ebola outbreak in history and was initially centred on country’s
remote southeastern region of Nzerekore in 2013.
Later it had spread to its neighbouring countries Liberia and Sierra Leone and also seven other
countries.
After it began in 2013 it has killed more than 11,300 people in these three worst hit western African
nations.
The process to formulate new constitution in Sri Lanka has begun to replace the current executive
president headed constitution.
In this regard, a resolution to set up a Constitutional Assembly was presented in the Parliament by Sri
Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The present constitution adopted in 1978, has powerful nature of the Presidency which has become
controversial in the past due to the growing authoritarian and personality cult tendencies in a single
office.
Constitution making process
Incumbent members of parliament as its members will be members of the proposed Constitutional
Assembly (CA).
A Constitution Bill will be formulated by the CA as per the Article 75 of the present Constitution.
In this regard, the CA will take into consideration deliberations, views and advice from the people
across the country.
Incumbent Speaker of Parliament will be the Chairman of the CA and there will be seven Deputy
Chairmen who shall be elected by the members of CA.
But the primary responsibility of drafting the new constitution will be of the steering committee
having 17 members.
Once the draft Constitution Bill is approved the Parliament with a special majority followed by a
referendum it will come into effect.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan have agreed to expand their bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) by inclusion
of services and investment.
Statement in this regard was made by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his official visit to
Sri Lanka. The expansion of FTA would help companies of the two nations to form joint ventures (JV)
for exports to other nations.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s official trip to Sri Lanka comes after eight months of
President Sirisena’s visit to Pakistan in April 2015.
Sri LankPakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
The FTA between Sri Lanka and Pakistan came into effect in June 2005. Since the Pakistan’s
exports to Sri Lanka were to the tune of 150 million dollars.
Sri Lanka’s exports to Pakistan were valued at about 52 million dollars, accounting for around 70
per cent of the country’s total exports to Pakistan.
8 MoUs signed
Both countries also signed 8 agreements in the fields of science and technology, education,
agriculture, healthcare, tourism, cultural exchanges, sporting contacts, peopletopeople contacts
and combating money laundering and terror financing.
Defence Deal
Pakistan also sealed a landmark defence deal to sell JF17 Thunder fighter jets to Sri Lanka.
Under this deal Pakistan will sell 8 JF17 Thunder fighter jets which are already part of Pakistan Air
Force (PAF).
World Health Organization (WHO), a UN health agency has declared Guinea Ebolafree after no new
cases were reported. Now the country enters into 90day period of heightened surveillance of WHO.
In Guinea, the deadly disease had killed more than 2,500 people and had completely shattered
country’s economy and country’s health and education sectors.
Criteria for declaring a nation Ebolafree
WHO can declare a country Ebola free after no new cases are reported from humantohuman
transmission over two incubation periods of virus i.e. 21 days. Earlier, WHO had declared Liberia
Ebolafree in September 2015 and was followed by Sierra Leone in November 2015.
Ebola outbreak
Guinea was birthplace of deadliest Ebola outbreak in history and was initially centred on country’s
remote southeastern region of Nzerekore in 2013. Later it had spread to its neighbouring countries
Liberia and Sierra Leone and also seven other countries. After it began in 2013 it has killed more
than 11,300 people in these three worst hit western African nations. Liberia with 4809 deaths was
worst hit among these three western African nations in this deadly outbreak.
China has officially abandoned its One Child Policy amid deepening demographic crisis of shrinking
workforce and aging population in the world’s second largest economy.
In this regard 159member National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the top organ of
China’s Parliament has passed revised Law on Population and Family Planning.
The new law allows couples to have two children from January 1, 2016 and marks the ending its over
three decades old One Child Policy.
China’s One Child Policy
This forced policy was introduced in 1978 and was implemented since 1980 in order to curb the
population and limit demands for water and other resources.
Its main aim was to rein in population growth in order to alleviate social, economic and
environmental problems in China.
The controversial policy had restricted most of Chinese couples to only a single offspring
and prevented over 400 million births in over 3 decade span.
Internationally it was criticized because it involved serious human rights violations including forced
abortions and also was debated it has resulted in China’s economic boom.
Comment
The new law was adopted as part of China’s efforts to relax the family planning laws in a response
to an ageing population and to manage the demography of the country.
This decision aims to help China to reduce its gender imbalance as the One Child Policy had
caused a dramatic gender imbalance due to forced sterilizations, infanticide and sexselective
abortions.
China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the top organ of China’s parliament has
adopted the country’s first counterterrorism law.
The legislation was approved with large majority at the end of a weeklong bimonthly session China’s
National People’s Congress Standing Committee.
Key facts
The law expanded the definition of the term terrorism and is the latest attempt of China to address
terrorism at home and help maintain world security.
The law grants overarching powers to security agencies and also allows the military to venture
overseas on counterterror operations.
Under the new law a separate clause makes terrorism a crime including fabricating it and
disseminating information on fabricated terrorist incidents.
The law allows news media only to report on the personal details of onscene workers, hostages
or authorities’ response to terrorist activities and it will require approval from counterterrorism
authorities.
It is mandatory for technology firms to give sensitive data like encryption keys to the government
when asked for under this law.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new building of Afghanistan Parliament in the capital
city Kabul built by India.
It was inaugurated during Narendra Modi’s first official visit to Afghanistan after becoming Prime
Minister. He also named one block of Parliament as Atal Block after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee.
Prime Minister also handed over 4 Mi25 attack helicopters to Afghanistan Air Force symbolising a
shift in India’s position on supplying ‘offensive’ equipment.
Afghanistan parliament building was constructed by India at a cost of US 90 million dollars as a
symbol of India’s support to Afghanistan’s democracy and civil reconstruction.
The construction of Parliament building was started in 2009 and it had missed its completion
deadlines at least 3 times since 2011. This project along with $300 million Salma dam project (called
the IndiaAfghanistan friendship dam) in Heart province has generated much goodwill for India.
Ruling conservative People’s Party (PP) of Spain led Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy by has won the
2015 general election of the country.
In the general election, PP won the 123 seats by securing in the lower house of the 350member
Parliament and securing 28.7 percent vote share.
However, it has fallen short of absolute majority which can be achieved by any party that wins
minimum 176 seats. Now the People’s Party has to form a coalition government with support of other
political parties to govern for another fouryear term.
Results of other parties
The Socialists which won 90 seats with 22 percent vote share.
Antiausterity Podemos Party along with its allies won 69 seats with 20.6 percent vote share.
Liberal Ciudadanos party (LCP) won 40 seats with 13.8 percent vote share.
In the earlier outgoing parliament People’s Party was having 186 seats in the lower house of the
Parliament.
The United States (US) Senate has ratified reforms in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to boost
the representation of emerging economies as part of a budget bill.
The reforms ratified in the legislation are in line with the proposed 2010 Quota Reforms and now it
will go to President Barack Obama for assent.
These proposed reforms are the biggest change in the governance of the Fund since it was
established after World War Two in 1945 after the Bretton Woods Conference.
Proposed reforms in the Bill
Put four emerging markets Brazil, China, India and Russia among the IMF’s top 10 shareholders
and give emerging markets more influence at the global lender.
Gives emerging markets more voting power and double the Fund’s resources.
China’s vote at the IMF would increase to 6 per cent from 3.8 per cent. It would make it the third
largest shareholder from its previous sixth position.
The voting power and quota shares of the IMF’s poorest member countries will be protected.
IMF’s Board will entirely consist of elected Executive Directors. It will end the current category of
appointment of Executive Directors by five largest quotas holders.
Quotas of all 188 members will increase as the Fund’s quota resources rise to about 477 billion
special drawing rights (SDR) from 238.5 billion.
India’s voting rights will also rise to 2.6 per cent from the current 2.3 per cent. US’s quota share
drop from 16.7 per cent to 16.5 per cent but it will retain its veto power.
The biggest losers in these proposed reforms are European economies which will see their voting
rights diminished.
The United States (US) has lifted a 40 year ban on oil exports marking a historic shift for the booming
US oil industry.
This decision was taken as part of a 1.1 trillion dollars spending bill to fund US government until 2016
received assent of President Barack Obama
This move will help in economic growth and in turn create jobs along with new revenues, prosperity
and enhanced energy security for other countries. It would pave the way for energy deficient
countries including India to open up another frontier and diversify import basket of oil from US.
Background
The ban of crude oil exports was born of oil shock of 19731974 due to Arab oil embargo that had
sent global shooting up of oil prices. The ban was first imposed in 1975 after Arab members of the
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting (OPEC) Countries had banned oil exports to the US in
retaliation for its support of Israel during the ArabIsraeli war. The ban was imposed by US mainly for
seeking greater energy independence. US also had created an emergency stockpile of crude oil the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve in 1975.
Afghanistan has become 164th member nation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), global trade
body after 11 years of negotiations.
WTO has formally approved Afghanistan’s membership proposal at its ongoing 10th ministerial
conference in the Nairobi, Kenya.
In this regard, Protocol of Accession (PoA) was signed by WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo
and Afghanistan’s First Deputy Chief Executive Mohammad Khan Rahmani.
The final accession to become a full member will come in to effect after PoA is ratified by Afghanistan
Parliament till June 2016. It will be the 36th least developed country (LDC) to join the global trade
body.
Advantages for Afghanistan
By joining WTO, landlocked warshattered Afghanistan hopes to reap the benefits of the WTO
membership for its postconflict reconstruction.
Tradeled growth will help to create new economic opportunities in world’s poorest economy and
create jobs especially for women and in turn help to reduce poverty.
Postconflict reconstruction will certainly contribute in a major way to reduce extremism and
achieve regional peace and security.
Special Note: During the 10th ministerial conference in the Nairobi, Kenya two new members
were added viz. Liberia (163rd) and Afghanistan (164th).
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted resolution cut off supply of
revenue flows to Islamic State (IS) militant group.
Decision in this regard was taken at the firstever meeting of finance ministers of 15 member states
to support a diplomatic push to end the war in Syria.
Key facts
The resolution has been drafted by United States and Russia, calls on governments to ensure that
they have adopted laws to make the financing of IS a serious criminal offence.
It also calls for enhanced actions against from closing financial system loopholes to stopping the
abuse of charitable causes.
It stressed that already existing resolution mandating member states to ensure that financial
assets are not transferred to terrorists by persons within their territory.
Called for increased international cooperation in sharing information and closer collaboration with
the private sector to identify suspect transactions.
The UNSC also called on Member States to promote enhanced vigilance by persons within their
jurisdiction to detect any diversion of explosives, raw materials and components that can be used to
manufacture improvised explosive devices or unconventional weapons.
Saudi Arabia has launched Islamic Military Coalition, a new military alliance of 34 nations mainly
Muslim nations to fight terrorism.
It has been established in pursuance of the objectives and principles of the charter of the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It calls for all member states to cooperate to combat
terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
About Islamic Military Coalition
The joint operations centre of the coalition will be established in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
The coalition includes nations with large and established armies such as Turkey, Pakistan and
Egypt as well as wartorn countries such as Libya and Yemen.
Member nations: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Bahrain, Turkey, Benin, Togo, Chad, Djibouti, Tunisia, Sudan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Gabon,
Somalia, Guinea, Comoros, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Cote d’Ivoire, Lebanon, Maldives, Libya,
Mali, Malaysia, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Yemen.
The establishment of coalition comes amid international pressure on the Gulf Arab states to do
more in the fight against socalled Islamic State.
The new alliance will coordinate efforts against extremists in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and
Afghanistan.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has ended its 12year investigation into concerns that Iran
might be developing nuclear weapons.
In this regard, IAEA Board of Governors have passed a resolution ending its longrunning inquiry
against Ian but allowing inspectors to continue to police the country’s nuclear programme.
Earlier IAEA has concluded that Iran had conducted nuclear weaponsrelated research until 2003
and to a lesser extent until 2009, but found no evidence was found.
The move is seen as a key step towards lifting UN, EU and US sanctions and a symbolic victory for
Iran. Earlier in July 2015, P5+1 nations and Iran had agreed Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPOA) to lift the sanctions.
Under the JCPOA, sanctions against the Iran would be lifted over a series of years in exchange for
curbing its nuclear programme. However, Iran has strongly denied pursuing a clandestine nuclear
weapons programme. It has clearly positioned itself that its nuclear programme civilian purpose and
not for military purpose.
About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
IAEA is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy,
and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.
It was established as an autonomous organization in 1957 through its own international treaty, the
IAEA Statute.
The IAEA has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
It is independent of the United Nations but reports to both the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) and Security Council (UNSC).
India has been placed at 130th position in the 2015 Human Development Index (HDI) among the 188
countries.
It was unveiled in the recently released Human Development Report 2015 by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP).
Key facts
India has been placed at 130th position with 0.609 score in the medium human development
category. In 2014 report country’s rank was 135 with 0.586 score.
Improvement in India’s 2015 HDI from previous year has been attributed to rise in life expectancy
and per capita income.
India’s Life expectancy at birth: It has increased to 68 years in 2014 from 67.6 in the previous
year and 53.9 in 1980.
Gross National Income (GNI) per capita: It has increased to $5,497 in 2014 from $5,180 in
2013 and $1,255 in 1980. India’s GNI per capita increased by about 338 per cent between 1980
and 2014.
Access to knowledge: Expected years of schooling have remained stagnant at 11.7 since 2011.
The mean years of schooling at 5.4 has not changed since 2010.
Gender Development Index (GDI): GDI value of India is 0.795 in 2014. The female HDI value for
India is 0.525 in contrast with 0.660 for males.
Gender Inequality Index (GII): India rank at 130th position with value of 0.563 out of 155
countries in the 2014.
India’s HDI value increased from 0.362 to 0.609 between 1980 and 2014. It indicates an increase
of 68.1 per cent or an average annual increase of about 1.54 per cent.
India’s life expectancy at birth increased by 14.1 years between 1980 and 2014. The mean years
of schooling has increased by 3.5 years and expected years of schooling increased by 5.3 years
in the same period.
Top Three Countries: Norway (1st rank), Australia (2nd) and Switzerland (3rd).
India’s Neighbours: Sri Lanka (73 rank), China (90), Bhutan (132), Bangladesh (142), Nepal
(145), Pakistan (147) and Afghanistan (171).
BRICS Nations: Russia (50 rank), Brazil (75), China (90), South Africa (116) and India (130).
About Human Development Index
The HDI is an average measure of basic human development achievements in a country measured
by UNDP. It is an average of longterm progress in three basic dimensions of human development
viz. a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living.
Powerful Typhoon Melor (also known as Nona) has hit the central Philippines battering the coast with
powerful winds with speed of 200 kph followed by intense rainfall.
The eye of tropical cyclone (typhoon) Melor made its landfall over the northern tip of the island of
Samar. It made landfall after undergoing a rapid intensification forcing over 700,000 people to leave
their homes and communities.
Hawaii based Joint Typhoon Warning Centre of US military has categorized the typhoon as a
Category 3 storm.
The year 2015 has been an active one in terms of major tropical storms hitting the Philippines. The
major tropical storms in the year 2015 have been partly attributed to ongoing strong El Nino
phenomenon which has resulted in a significant warming of the surface waters of the central Pacific.
Typhoon Melor now joins Noul, Maysak, Goni, Soudelor, Mujigae and Koppu in the list of significant
typhoons to have struck the Philippines in year 2015.
Human Rights Day (HRD) is marked annually on 10th December to commemorate the day in 1948
when the United Nations (UN) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The theme chosen for the year 2015 HRD is ‘Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always’. It marks the
launch of a 1 year campaign commemorating two international human rights treaties International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights (ICCPR). Both of the treaties were adopted in 1966.
Background
Human Rights Day was formally established at the 317th Plenary Meeting of the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) on 4 December 1950.
It was established after UNGA declared Resolution 423(V) by inviting all member states and any
other interested organizations to celebrate the day to the mark the first global enunciation of human
rights and one of the first major achievements of the UN.
Iran has successfully carried out test of medium range Ghadr110 ballistic missile near the Chabahar,
a port city in southeast of country along the Gulf of Oman.
The test was held in November 2015, but was disclosed by the western intelligence agencies in
December 2015. With this Iran so far has breached of two United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
resolutions which compels it to refrain from any work on ballistic missiles for 8 years.
Key facts
Ghadr110 ballistic missile is an improved and advance version of Shahab 3 missile which is
similar to the precision guided missile that was tested by Iran in October 2015.
It has a range of 1,800 –2000 km and is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead as well as
conventional warheads.
Missile test ban
Currently under the 2010 UNSC resolution all ballistic missile tests have been banned in Iran until
a nuclear deal between Iran and P5+1 nations is implemented.
Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) reached on July 2015 between Iran and
P5+1 nations most sanctions on Iran were lifted in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.
But the deal had refrained Iran from working on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear
weapons for up to eight years.
P5+1 nations: It is group of six world powers which had joined together in 2006 to reach diplomatic
efforts with Iran with regard to its nuclear program. The term P5+1 refers to the UNSC five
permanent members China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States plus Germany.
Opposition Centreright Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) coalition has won the 2015
Parliamentary elections of Venezuela.
The MUD coalition won at least 99 seats in the 167seat legislature of the National Assembly by
defeating ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) led by President Nicolás Maduro.
In this election, PSUV won 46 seats and remaining candidates from different parties have won 22
seats. With this, the 17 years of socialist ruling regime came to an end which was founded by former
President Hugo Chavez in 1999.
Background
2015 Parliamentary election for the 167 members of the National Assembly of Venezuela was held on
6 December 2015 and was based on a mixed majoritarian system. Under this system, of the total 167
members, 113 members are elected by firstpastthepost voting in 87 constituencies.
51 seats are elected by closed list of proportional representation based on the 23 states and the
Capital District and the seats are allocated using the d’Hondt method. The remaining 3 seats are
reserved for indigenous peoples and are elected by the community.
Venezuela: It is oilrich Latin American country located on the northern coast of South America.
Presently, the country is facing worst economic slowdown due to due to continuing low price of oil in
the international market as it is its main export commodity. It also has the highest inflation rate around
100 per cent in 2015 in the South America.
The World Bank has launched a $500 million dollars Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF) to
help developing countries pay for emission reductions and combat climate change.
It is marketbased scheme specially designed to help developing countries and would establish the
world’s first programmatic carbon market.
Key facts
The scheme will reward countries for reducing emissions by paying a fee for each tonne of carbon
dioxide (CO2) reduced.
The facility will help countries implement their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions
(INDCs).
Of the total 500 million dollars, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland have jointly pledged
an initial 250 million dollars investment.
The scheme would support renewable energy, energy efficiency and waste management projects
as well to cut emissions in cities and from the transport sector.
Chief Economic Advisor Dr Arvind Subramanian led Committee has recommended standard rate for
Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 17 to 18 per cent.
The Committee has submitted its report to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi.
Recommendations of Dr Arvind Subramanian Committee
Standard GST rate of 17 to 18 per cent. It is the rate at which most products would likely be
taxed. Not to specify GST rate in Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Revenueneutral rate of 15 to 15.5 per cent. It is a single rate at which there will be no revenue
loss to the centre and states in the GST regime.
Eliminate all taxes on interstate trade including one per cent interstate tax on transfer of goods.
Two options for states: Single rate of 1 per cent or a range of 1718 per cent. Allocation to
states will depend on revenues raised by Centre and states.
Threetier GST rate structure: Essential goods will be taxed at a lower rate of 12 per cent.
Demerit goods such as luxury cars, aerated beverages, pan masala and tobacco products will be
taxed at 40 percent and remaining all goods will be taxed at a standard rate of 17 to 18 per cent.
Excluded real estate, electricity and alcohol and petroleum products while calculating tax rates but
suggests bringing them under the ambit of GST soon.
Background
Union government had set up the committee under chairmanship of CEA Dr. Subramanian in June
2015 to arrive at GST rates by factoring in the economic growth rate, taxpayer base and tax
compliance levels.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
GST aims to bring uniform indirect tax regime throughout the country by subsuming central and
state indirect taxes into single indirect tax.
It seeks to enhance fiscal federalism by removing indirect tax barriers across states and integrate
the country into a common market, boosting government revenue and reducing business costs.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced a 60 billion dollars package to African nations during the
Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The package will benefit Africa in 10 major areas (sectors) such as industry, infrastructure,
agriculture, financial services, trade and investment facilitation, green development, poverty reduction
and public welfare, public health, peace and security and peopletopeople exchanges.
With this package, China is seeking to expand its investments in resourcerich Africa which can help it
to absorb its excess manufacturing capacity. It is also consider as part of its efforts to reengage with
the continent and integrate it within its ambitious One Belt and One Road (OBOR) and Maritime Silk
Route connectivity framework.
Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation (FOCAC): It is the summit in which over 50 African countries
are participating. It is also expected to unveil the contours of China’s security partnership with Africa.
It would mainly focus on counterterrorism, peacekeeping and funding to train troops within the
framework of the African Union (AU).
Australia’s Federal Parliament has passed Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia)
Bill, 2015 to strip citizenship of convicted persons on terrorism charges.
The new legislation allows government to strip dual nationals of their citizenship if they are convicted
of terrorism offences.
Key provisions
Those who are found to have fought for banned terrorist group overseas, their citizenship will be
automatically terminated.
The dual nationals would lose their citizenship if the person is convicted of a terrorism offence and
sentenced to at least 6 years’ of imprisonment
Those who are found engaged in terrorist acts such as providing or receiving training in for
carrying a terrorist attack, recruit or finance terrorists (organisations) or terrorism.
If any person is convicted of terrorism in the previous decade then the new law has retrospective
measures to allow revoking of citizenship convicted terrorists.
Background
As per the Australian Government, the law was deemed necessary due to current terrorist threats
around the world including in Australia from banned terrorist outfit Islamic state. There also has been
increasingly concern about the flow terrorist recruits to Iraq and Syria to join IS extremist groups from
Australia.
Britain has launched airstrikes against Islamic State (IS)controlled oil fields in Syria after
parliamentarians in the House of Commons overwhelmingly voted for military action.
In this regard, a motion for voting was forwarded in the House of Commons and it received 397
members votes including 66 opposition Labour member in favour of it.
After the support of Parliament, British warplanes of Royal Air Force conducted six strikes against IS
controlled Omar oil fields in Syria from its base in Akrotiri, Cyprus.
The ruling government of Britain has taken this decision in lines with the resolution2249 (2015)
passed by United National Security Council (UNSC). The resolution had called on all nations to re
double and coordinate their collection action to prevent further attacks by IS and other extremist
groups.
United States has welcomed the vote by the British Parliament as it would more teeth to the global
antiterror coalition forces to fight IS militants and expand their strategy to defeat terrorist
group. Russia also has welcomed Britain’s decision as it aimed at combating terrorism and the fight
against IS.
The German Cabinet has approved a mandate offering military assistance to fight against the Islamic
State (IS) militant group in Syria.
The mandate aims at supporting France and the international alliance in its fight against the IS
militant group. Now it requires Parliamentary approval to come into force.
This decision was taken by cabinet after an appeal was made by French President Francois Hollande
in the wake of the 13 November Paris attacks carried by the terrorist organisation.
Key facts
The German mission will include sending Tornado reconnaissance jets, a refueling aircraft and a
frigate for one year and can be extended by year.
Under this mandate Germany could deploy up to 1,200 military personnel to support the
international alliance but they won’t actively engage in combat missions.
Germany will send unspecified number of Tornado aircrafts fitted with surveillance technology for
logistics and reconnaissance purpose.
These aircrafts can take highresolution photos and infrared images at night and in bad weather
and the tanker aircraft for refuelling of planes in midair.
A German frigate will help to protect the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the eastern
Mediterranean Sea.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has included China’s Yuan into its elite reserve currency basket
mailny used as an international reserve asset with an effect from effect from 1st October 2016.
Decision in this regard was taken by the IMF’s executive board meeting for regular fiveyearly review
of the basket of currencies that make up the Special Drawing Right (SDR) .
Yuan also known as the Renminbi will be the fifth freely usable currency along with the US Dollar,
British Pound, Japanese Yen and Euro. It was added in the basket after it met all existing criteria for
its inclusion.
Criteria for inclusion in elite reserve currency basket
Export Criterion:Exports of a particular country must have the largest value over a 5 year period
and should play a central role in the global economy.
Freely Usable:The currency must also be a freely usable currency i.e. widely used in international
transactions for making payments and widely traded in the main exchange markets.
About Chinese Currency
Renminbi which in Mandarin (China’s official language) means the people’s currency was officially
introduced by the Communist Government of China led by Mao Zedong in 1949 after it came to
power. Prior to Renminbi, Yuan was the official name of Chinese currency which means dollarsilver
coin in Mandarin and was minted by the Spanish empire to trade with China for over 4 centuries.
China hosted the first BrazilRussiaIndiaChinaSouth Africa (BRICS) media summit in Beijing for
creating an alternative media platform for the 5 emerging economies.
25 media organisations participated in the 2 day summit which aimed to create a new institutional
framework to benefit the media of five emerging economies of BRICS grouping.
Key facts
China’s Xinhua news agency is the initiator of the project which adds one more dimension to the
BRICS format.
It was organised in collaboration with The Hindu group of publications, Russia Today International
News Agency, the Brazil Communication Company and South Africa’s Independent Media.
The summit proposed the formation of a BRICS Media Foundation for supporting and protecting
journalists belonging to the grouping.
In the first summit, leaders of 25 Media organisations from the 5 BRICS countries pitched for building
consensus to deal with climate change, terrorism,and other key global issues.
Saudi Arabia has allowed women to vote and become candidates in local elections for the first time in
the history of male dominated country.
In this regard, Saudi authorities allowed 979 women among the 6,917 registered candidates to
campaign for 284 municipal councils as per the royal decree issued in 2011.
Earlier Saudi Arabia had held municipal elections in 2005 and 2011 in the transitional phase
undertaken monarchy but only men were allowed to take part.
Thus by allowing participation of women in the municipal elections Saudi Arabian government
apparently is showing other countries that social participation of its women is expanding.
Presently, women make up one fourth of the country’s Shura Council which is an unelected body
appointed by the king to propose laws for government but cannot pass them.
Russia has imposed economic sanctions against Turkey, a NATO member over the issue of downing
of a Russian Sukhoi 24 warplane on the Syrian border.
In this regard, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree adopting a series of retaliatory
economic measures against Turkey with an effect from 1st January 2016.
Russian economic sanctions covers
Ban on imports from Turkey, work of Turkish companies in Russia and any Turkish nationals
working for Russian companies.
End to charter flights between the countries and urges Russian tour operators to refrain from
selling tourist packages to Turkey.
Background
NATO member Turkey on 24th November 2015 had shot down Russian Sukhoi 24 (Su24)
warplane escalating crisis in bilateral relations of both countries.
Turkey has claimed that the Russian jet was shot down after it had crossed into its airspace and
ignored several warnings to change course.
However, Russia has furiously denied the claims and demanded an apology and economic
compensation from Turkey.
Distinguished Tamil scholar and historian of South India and South Asia, Noboru Karashima from
Japan passed away in Tokyo. He was 82.
His research has rewritten the economic and social history of medieval South India and had
published number of writings on them. He also had played a critical role in developing IndoJapan
cultural ties.
About Noboru Karashima
Noboru Karashima was Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo and Taisho University.
Key contributions: His use of statistical techniques to distil information from a mass of
inscriptions was his seminal contribution to South Indian history.
Organisations: He was instrumental in setting up the International Association of Tamil Research
(IATR) and was its president from 1989 to 2010.
He was the principal organiser of the 8th World Tamil Conference in Thanjavur in 1995. He also
was the president of the Japan Association for South Asian Studies from 1996 to 2000.
Publications: He has written numerous books on South Indian History. They are Kingship in
Indian history, Towards a New Formation: South Indian Society under Vijayanagar Rule, A
concordance of the names in Chola inscriptions, History and society in South India and Ancient to
Medieval: South Indian Society in Transition.
Awards and Honours: He is recipient of the Padma Shri (2013) for his contributions in building
IndiaJapan ties. Also was awarded with Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize (1995), Japan Academy
Prize (2003).
Every year on 25th November is observed as International Day for the Elimination of Violence
Against Women (IDEVAW) across the world.
Significance of Day: Raise awareness about violence against women and girls, end the violence
against the women. Show that prevention is possible against violence of women.
Key facts
On occasion of this day, hundreds of monuments across the world were lit in orange to galvanise
support for global action to end violence against women and girls.
The orange colour symbolise a bright and optimistic future to free from violence against women
and girls and will help unify the largescale social mobilisation.
Prevention is the theme of this year’s UNiTE campaign of IDEVAW which would be a 16 dayslong
activism against genderbased violence till 10th December 2015 i.e. till International Human Rights
Day.
Background: IDEVAW was commemorated in the memory of the Mirabal sisters who were three
political activists from the Dominican Republic. They were brutally assassinated during the Rafael
Trujillo dictatorship (19301961) in 1960.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders have signed a declaration for launching
ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) which would be similar to European Union (EU)style regional
economic bloc.
In this regard, Kuala Lumpur declaration on the establishment of the AEC was signed by the
leaders of 10nation grouping chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak at its 27th Summit
held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
It was signed in front of world leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UN
Secretary General Ban Kimoon.
About ASEAN Economic Community
AEC would make ASEAN a single market with a free flow of goods, capital and skilled labour in the
region.
Integrate Southeast Asia’s diverse 10 economies which has combine population of 620 million
people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.4 trillion US dollars.
Abolish tariffs on imports within the bloc member countries and promote the liberalization of
service industries such as retailing and tourism.
Calls for more free movement of and skilled labour within the region including of doctors,
architects and others with special skills.
Focus on creating an integrated and wellconnected economy of ASEAN member countries which
would be businessfriendly, tradefacilitative and marketdriven.
The new economic bloc will be launched in December 2015 and would make ASEAN’s growing
GDP, 4thbiggest in the world.
ASEAN 2025 declaration
Apart from this AEC, ASEAN leaders also adopted the declaration on “ASEAN 2025, forging ahead
together”. The ASEAN 2025 document charts the path for building AEC over the next 10 years.
The declaration calls for ASEAN members to work towards building a community that is politically
cohesive, economically integrated and socially responsible. ASEAN 2025 declaration calls to work
with external partners to strengthen cooperation in combating nontraditional security challenges like
terrorism, human trafficking, drug related crimes and maritime issues through various initiatives and
projects.
About Association of South East Asian Nations
ASEAN is a group of 10 South Asian nations which was brought into existence on August 8, 1967
after ASEAN declaration (also known as Bangkok declaration).
Motto: “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”
10 Members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand and Vietnam.
Founder countries of ASEAN were: Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines and Thailand
Enlargement: The group was expanded by adding 5 more nations which are Brunei Darussalam,
Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. Cambodia was the latest entry in the group in 1999.
10 day state of emergency was delcared in the Mali by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita following
terrorist attack in country’s capital city Bamako.
Apart from declaring state of emergency, President also has declared three days of national
mourning to condemn this terrorist attack.
Background
On 20th November 2015, Islamist militants in the Islamic Maghreb called alMurabitoun group,
affiliated to AlQaeda had attacked on a Radision Blu hotel in the capital Bamako killing 21 people.
In this terrorist siege of hotel, more than 130 hotel guests and staff including 21 Indians were held
hostage by the terrorists.
Later they were freed when Malian Special Forces, French Special Forces and offduty US
servicemen after they stormed the hotel to break the siege.
About Mali
Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa and is the eighthlargest country in the African
continent. The country
falls in unstable Sahel region of North Africa which comprises countries affected by terrorism,
ethnic conflicts and instability.
In 2012, a military coup led by ethnic Tuareg rebels in Mali had overthrown the democratically
elected President and destabilised the northern half of the country by seizing it. The coup was
followed by fighting between Tuareg and Islamist rebels.
Later Malian government forces along with the Western troops under a United Nations (UN)
mandate led by France were able to reduce the insurgency. They also had held a democratic
election to replace the military government, but the new government has little control in the
northern part of country.
Map Source: BBC
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (Chinese Navy) conducted several naval drills in disputed South
China Sea (SCS) by employing its major destroyers and frigates, carrierbased helicopters and new
submarines.
Key facts
The naval exercise was based out of the Sanya training base of the Chinese Navy which mainly
focused on antisubmarine warfare.
It was conducted as part of a regular annual naval drill aimed at implementing President Xi
Jinping’s call for a military that is capable of fighting and winning wars.
Chinese navy claims that these drills have vigorously improved the Chinese navy’s antisubmarine
combat abilities based on informationalised systems.
However, they have not disclosed the details of the exact time and places for the maneuvers of
these drills.
Comment
These naval exercises were conducted after United States (US) President Barack Obama and
leaders of other Asian Countries bordering SCS had recently voiced their concerns and pressurised
China over its giant land reclamation projects in disputed waters of SCS during the 2015 Asia Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held in Manila, Philippines.
China is claiming its territorial sovereignty over the entire SCS including the adjacent waters of its
Asian neighbours including Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan which in turn is
harming the regional peace and stability.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted a Resolution 2249 (2015),
calling on all nations to redouble and coordinate action to prevent further attacks by Islamic State of
Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and other extremist groups.
The resolution has been not drafted under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter which empowers UN to give
a green signal to the use of force.
The Frenchsponsored resolution has
Urged UN memberstates to intensify their efforts to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters in
Iraq and Syria.
Also called upon memberstates to prevent and suppress the financing on terrorism groups and
other extremist groups.
Mentions ISIS group constitutes a global and unprecedented threat to international peace and
security and expresses its determination to combat it by all means.
It should be noted that this is the 14th terrorismrelated resolution adopted by the UNSC since 1999.
Background
The resolution was adopted by UNSC a week after ISIS extremists had launched a coordinated
barbaric gun and bomb assault in Paris (France) on 13 November 2015 which had killed 130 people.
ISIS also has claimed responsibility for twin suicide bombings in Beirut (Lebanon) which had killed 43
people and for bombing of Russian airliner which was crashed over Egypt’s Sinai peninsula killing all
224 people on board.
Russia has signed two agreements with Egypt to finance and build its first nuclear power plant at
Dabaa on the Mediterranean coast in the northwest of the country.
As per one of the agreement, Russia will extend a loan to Egypt to cover the cost of construction of
the nuclear plant which is expected to be completed by 2022.
Under the agreement
Russia will grant a 35year loan to the Egypt which is the Arab world’s most populous country.
However in the agreement the loan has been not disclosed as the details of the credit agreement
are still under discussion.
Dabaa Nuclear plant will be thirdgeneration plant with four reactors with total capacity of 1,200
MW.
On completion the plant will make Egypt a regional leader in terms of civil nuclear technology.
Background
Since 1980s, Egypt has been pursuing its plan to have a peaceful nuclear programme for the
production of electricity at Dabaa.
But the North African country had frozen its nuclear programme plans after disputes with local
residents due to the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.
However in 2006, under the dictatorial Presidentship of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt once again had
announced plans to revive its dream of peaceful nuclear programme. But the President was
overthrown in 2011 revolution and its nuclear programme plans were stalled.
The newly elected President AbdelFattah alSisi in February 2015 had signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to go ahead with the civil nuclear programme.
Republicandominated US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly voted to bar Syrian and
Iraqi refugees from entering the United States over the security concerns.
The bill was overwhelmingly voted by 289 in favour to 137 opposed and bill now needs to be passed
by the Senate. It seeks to impose more stringent security provisions on already robust screening of
Iraqi and Syrian refugees entering US.
The passage of bill is consider as a major setback for the Obama administration as the US President
had opposed such a move and also because a large block of Democratic lawmakers voted in favour
of the bill. The bill was also passed amid of threat by President Barack Obama to veto it.
Comment
The passage of Bill by US House of Representatives also follows the barbaric terrorist attacks in Paris
(France) on 13 November 2015 by seven Islamic State radicals which left 129 people dead. One of
these seven perpetuators is thought to have been a Syrian refugee who entered Europe via Greece
along the other refugees.
Earlier in September 2015, Obama administration had announced its plan to resettle around 10,000
Syrian refugees in the US till September 2016.
Since Syrian civil war which began in 2011 to overthrow President Bashar alAssad regime, millions of
Syrians have fled to neighbouring countries and to Europe.
Every year World Toilet Day (WTD) is being observed on 19 November across the world.
Significance of Day: Draw attention of people around the world to raise global awareness of the
daily struggle for proper sanitation which in fact is a human right along with clean water.
2015 Theme: Sanitation and Nutrition. It seeks to draw attention of people across the world to raise
the importance of toilets along with supporting better nutrition and improved health.
The observance of this day is coordinated by United NationsWater in collaboration with
Governments of member countries and relevant stakeholders.
About World Toilet Day
WTD has been initiated by the World Toilet Organisation since 2001. United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) gave it official recognition in July 2013 in its 67th session under the global
campaign of Sanitation For All resolution.
Observance of this day now has become an important platform to demand action from governments.
It seeks brings together different groups, such as media, the private sector, development
organisations and civil society in a global movement to advocate for safe toilets.
G20 leaders have decided to tackle global uneven economic growth and reaffirmed their
commitment to fight terrorism unitedly.
In this regard, G20 leaders have released a communiqué at the end of the twoday 2015 G20
summit held at Antalya in Turkey.
Key highlights of 2015 G20 Antalya Summit
Economic growth: G20 leaders noticed the risks and uncertainties in financial markets and
observed that geopolitical challenges are increasingly becoming a global problem.
They have reaffirmed its earlier goal of achieving 2 percent additional GDP growth by 2018.
Black Money and Corruption: G20 has developed a package under the “Base Erosion and
Profit System” project to tackle the problem of transferring profits to tax havens.
The project urges the automatic exchange of taxrelated information system and will come into
force by 2018.
G20 leaders also called for intolerance to corruption and collectively deny safe havens to illegally
acquired wealth.
Climate Change: G20 leaders reiterated from their commitment to limit global temperature
increase to 2 degrees Celsius above current levels as mentioned in the Lima Call for Action.
They fair and balanced outcome in the Conference of Parties (CoP)21 meet to be held in Paris on
the issue.
WTO: G20 leaders reinstated their faith on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as the backbone
of the multilateral trading system.
They have urged WTO to fully implement the Bali Package that aims at lowering global trade
barriers.
G20 leaders endorse global food security measures.
Refugee crisis: It is a global concern and seeks to encourage global contribution in managing the
crisis.
IMF Reforms: G20 leaders seek to early implementation of the International Monetary Fund’s
(IMF’s) governance reforms.
Remittance front: G20 leaders seek to reduce the charges for people to send money back
home to 5 percent.
Terrorism: G20 leaders condemned terrorism and have collectively resolved to choke terror
funding and also share information and take action for better border management.
2015 G20 Antalya Summit and India
The 2015 G20 Antalya Summit accommodates several concerns India which were raised in
various multilateral forums.
Being the largest recipient of remittances, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had insisted to lower the
charges and it has been included in G20 agenda which is considered a positive development.
The passage of collective movement under the “Base Erosion and Profit Shifting” project on for tax
evasion is also considered a positive development in India’s fight to tackle menace of Black
Money.
The summit also took note of India’s viewpoints on various issues including trade, labour,
infrastructure and corruption.
France has launched fresh air raids on Islamic State (IS) stronghold in Raqa province in northern
Syria.
Fleet of ten French warplanes consisting of Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighters carried out the raid by
dropping around 16 bombs and simultaneously hitting and destroying two IS targets.
The air raid was conducted in coordination with United States forces against Daesh which is another
name for the IS militants group and destroyed their command and training centre.
Since September 2015, France had carried out numerous air raids against IS in Syria and also had
deployed its largest warship (aircraft carrier) named Charles de Gaulle (R91) to further boost its
operations.
But recently, France has stepped up its air raids against IS militant ground after 13 November 2015
attacks in Paris which are considered worst attack on France after World War II. In this worst attack
more than 136 people were killed and 433 were seriously injured by the 7 armed terrorists.
Philippines is going to host 2015 AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit from 18–19
November 2015 in its capital city Manila for the first time in nearly two decades.
It is second time Philippines hosting the AsiaPacific region’s most highlevel business event i.e.
APEC summit and had previously hosted it in 1996.
For first time Philippines had hosted the APEC summit under the leadership of thenPresident Fidel
Ramos who had vowed to help develop an action plan on facilitating free trade in the region.
Theme of 2015 APEC Summit: “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World”.
Under this theme, Philippines is going to push for inclusive growth and highlight the role of small and
medium enterprises (SMEs) which account for more than 97 per cent of businesses in APEC
economies.
Two key road maps will be endorsed in 2015 APEC Summit. They are
The Cebu Action Plan for financial integration: Aims to protect the APEC member countries
from financial crises.
Boracay Action Agenda: It is meant to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to
access the regional and global market.
About AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation
APEC is regional economic forum comprising of 21 member countries accounting nearly half of
the world’s trade and about 57 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP).
It was established in 1989 in order to leverage the growing interdependence of AsiaPacific
region’s economies and promote free trade in the region.
Headquarters: Singapore.
21 Members are: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea,
Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong,
China, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Chile, Peru, Russian and Vietnam.
India is observer of APEC since 2011 and has applied for membership.
Pakistan and China kicked off their ambitious 46 billion US Dollar China Pakistan economic
corridor (CPEC) project.
It was kicked off after China successfully acquired over 2,000 acres of land in restive Balochistan to
develop the strategic Gwadar port.
Earlier both countries had signed a deal in this regard to give the usage right of the land to a Chinese
company.
Under this ambitious project, China is expected to invest around 1.62 billion US dollars in the Gwadar
project. It includes construction of an expressway linking the harbour and coastline with a rail link,
breakwater. It also includes other 9 projects which is expected to be completed in three to five years.
China Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) project
CPEC seeks to connect the Gwadar port in Pakistan to the Xinjiang region in China by means of
highways, airways and railways and also deploy pipeline to transport oil and gas.
The corridor will also act as a trade route for Chinese goods and commodities meant for the
Middle East and Africa.
India has already objected to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor as it passes through the
Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).
However, China has defended the project saying it is a commercial venture aimed at improving
livelihoods of local people in Pakistan and strengthening the infrastructure in this region.
The 68th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared year 2016 as the International Year
of Pulses (IYP).
It was launched under the slogan ‘nutritious seeds for a sustainable future’. The Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of UN has been nominated to facilitate the implementation of the Year in
collaboration with all stakeholders.
Aim of IYP 2016
To increase the public awareness about the nutritional protein power and health benefits of pulses
as part of sustainable food production aimed towards food security and nutrition.
To boost their production and trade and encourage new and smarter uses throughout the food
chain.
Some facts about Pulses
Pulses crops are major source of plantbased proteins and amino acids in a vegetarian diet and
greatly benefit people’s health.
Being leguminous plant, they impact the environment positively due to their nitrogenfixing
properties, which increase soil fertility. So they are mainly grown on rotational basis with other
crops.
They are important food crops for the food security of large proportions of populations, particularly
in Latin America, Africa and Asia as it is part of their traditional diets.
They are often grown by small farmers and thus offer a great potential to lift farmers out of rural
poverty.
India is largest producer and as well consumer of pulses in India. Major pulses grown in India are
tur (arhar), urad, moong, masur, peas and gram.
Thus, pulses can significantly contribute in addressing hunger, food security, malnutrition,
environmental challenges and human health.
World Health Organization (WHO), a U.N. health agency has officially declared Sierra Leone Ebola
free.
This announcement is considered as a major milestone in UNbacked efforts to wipe out Ebola from
the three western African countries viz. Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
Key facts
WHO’s announcement comes after no new cases were reported over two incubation periods of
humantohuman transmission of Ebola virus, each of 21 days (Total 42 days) in Sierra Leone.
Now, Sierra Leone’s neighbour Guinea is the only western African country still having few reported
cases Ebola since the deadly outbreak began in December 2013.
Earlier in May 2015, WHO had officially declared Liberia as first country to be Ebolafree.
Since May 2014 after the first Ebola case was reported in Sierra Leone, total 8,704 people were
infected with the deadly disease and around 3,589 have died due it, of them 221 are healthcare
workers.
Summary of Ebola Outbreak
The current Ebola outbreak is considered as the deadliest in history. It was initially centred on
Guinea’s remote southeastern region of Nzerekore in early 2013 and later had spread to Liberia
and Sierra Leone.
Liberia was worst hit among the western African nations in this outbreak. As per WHO estimates,
the deadly epidemic has infected more than 28,600 people across the three hardesthit West
African nations and has claimed 11,300 lives since December 2013.
France is set to deploy its largest warship (aircraft carrier) named Charles de Gaulle (R91) in order
further boost its operations against Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq.
Since September 2014, France has been targeting IS targets in Iraq and Syria as part of the USled
international coalition.
The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle can carry upto 40 aircraft and support 100 flights a day. Its
involvement in the coalition campaign will shorten the time taken by French jets to carry out air
strikes.
The deployment of aircraft carrier is also described as a rational choice of France which inturn would
allow the country to be more efficient in coordination with the allies.
The aircraft carrier already has been deployed in the coalition’s fight against IS. It is France’s only
such vessel which can be used as base for French jets in the Gulf.
Currently, France is using six Mirage jets stationed in Jordan and six Rafale jets in the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) to target IS.
Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between
India and Colombia to strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.
Decision in this regard was taken at Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
in New Delhi.
The MoU will be signed between the Union Tourism Ministry and Ministry of Trade Industry and
Tourism of Colombia.
Key facts of the MoU
Aims at expanding bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector and exchanging information and
data related to tourism.
Seeks to help encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Tour operators and
Hotels in both countries.
Establish an exchange programme for cooperation in Human Resource Development (HRD) in
tourism sector.
In recent times, Colombia has emerged a tourism source market for India. Similarly, considering the
huge outbound tourism market of India, it has emerged as a potential source market for Colombia.
Thus, by signing this MoU, it will help to consider the mutual benefits in the field of tourism sector. It
would also enable both countries to mutually develop and promote tourism in each other’s country for
the mutual economic development.
Justin Trudeau of Liberal Party has sworn in as 23rd Prime Minister of Canada ending 10 years of
Conservative rule.
Along with him 30member of his Cabinet also swornin at a public ceremony held at Rideau Hall in
Ottawa, Canada.
With this Justin Trudeau (43) became the second youngest PM of Canada after Joe Clark (40) who
was youngest PM was of Conservative party and had entered in office in 1979
Justin Trudeau is eldest son of Canada’s former PM Pierre Trudeau who was in office for 16 years
and led the country till 1984. With this he also became first to follow a parent into PM’s office.
4 IndoCanadians in Trudeau Cabinet
Harjit Sajjan
He is Canadian Sikh who has swornin as Defence Minister of Canada. He is MP fro
m Vancouver South and was decorated Lt Colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces.
He was born in India and later moved with his family to Canada when he was 5 yearsold.
He had worked as Detective for the Gang Crime Unit and later joined Canadian military. He had
served in numerous foreign deployments in Bosnia, Kandahar.
He was bestowed with numerous military honours including Meritorious Service Medal (2013).
Amarjeet Sohi
Sohi has sworn in as Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
He is a former Edmonton City councillor and was in office from 2010 to 2015.
In 2015, he was elected as MP from Edmonton Mill Woods and had defeated then IndoCanadian
Minister Tim Uppal.
He was born in India in 1964 and had immigrated to Canada in 198
Navdeep Bains
Canadian Sikh was sworn in Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
He is currently MP from Mississauga—Malton. Earlier from 2004 to 2011, he was MP Mississauga
—Brampton South.
Bains was born in Toronto on June 16, 1977 to entrepreneur immigrant Indian parents.
Bardish Chagger
She was sworn in as Minister for Small Business and Tourism.
She is first time MP from Waterloo.
China’s Parliament has ratified the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) agreement which
establishes the legal framework for the Bank.
The ratification by China, which is the bank’s largest shareholder is considered significant step closer
to the AIIB’s formal establishment.
Earlier in June 2015, 54 founding members of the bank had signed the 60article agreement provides
the legal framework for Institution of AIIB. While, the remaining members are expected to sign before
the end of 2015.
It is mandatory for all prospective members of AIIB ratify the agreement before the end of 2016 by
their respective top legislatures to formally become its founding members.
It should be noted that India is also a founder member of AIIB which is tasked to finance
infrastructure development projects across Asia.
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Established to finance infrastructure projects including energy, transport and infrastructure
projects in Asia.
AIIB is seen as a rival to the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) which managed by
most prominent countries like US, Japan and European etc.
Headquarters: It will be operational by end of 2015.
percent of shares i.e. they will be majority shareholders.
They have been allocated their capital share on quota basis i.e. based on their economic size.
Voting share: for each member country it is based on the size of their economy and not on
President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen has declared state of emergency for 30 days on grounds of
threat to national security. The declaration with effect to emergency has been made on November 4,
2015 as per article 253 of the constitution of Maldives. The constitution of Maldives gives president
powers to declare emergency and suspend certain rights of the citizens.
Background
The former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed, who belongs to the Maldivian Democratic
Party (MDP) was convicted of charges of using the military to arrest a senior judge when in office. He
was sentenced for 13 years of jail term in the March this year. The trial of the former President was
criticised both locally and internationally for lack of due process. His supporters claimed that the
verdict was politically motivated.
In recent days, the Nasheed’s party MDP was planning to organize a mass rally to protest against the
present government. The Maldivian government is of the opinion that some groups are planning to
use dangerous explosives and weapons and it may disturb the public peace.
Since 2012, Maldives has been hit by acute political crisis. The government has imprisoned much of
the opposition leadership; prosecuting one vice president to charges of trying to assassinate the
President, impeaching another vice president, removing two defense ministers and two Supreme
Court judges so far.
The emergency has been announced at a time when the country is facing tensions after an explosion
aboard President Yameen’s speed boat on 28 September, that wounded his wife and along with two
others. President was unharmed in the blast. On October 24th, Maldivian government has accused
the Vice President Ahmed Adeeb for the boat blast and ordered for his arrest.
About Maldives
Maldives is composed of 1192 small coral islands with a population of around 3.4 lakhs, mainly Sunni
Muslims. Its economy is mainly based on tourist trade. The continuing political instability in the
Maldives will damage its tourist trade, a key employer and earner of foreign exchange.
United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) Disarmament Committee or First Committee has
adopted a draft resolution calling for the abolition of nuclear arms.
The resolution was submitted by Japan and was adopted by 156 member countries, while 17
abstaining and 3 voting against it including China and Russia.
But it failed to secure endorsement US, Britain, France and other key powers as they abstained from
voting despite supporting it.
Features of Resolution
Stresses the inhumanity of nuclear weapons and urges nuclear powers to be more transparent in
their disarmament efforts.
Calls for efforts to raise awareness of the humanitarian impact of the use of nuclear weapons.
Asks world leaders to visit the two Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki which were
devastated by the nuclear attacks.
Since 1994, Japan has been spearheading efforts UNGA Disarmament Committee to introduce
resolutions on nuclear arms every year.
The UNGA Disarmament Committee or First Committee deals with disarmament, threats to peace
and global challenges that affect the international community. It seeks out solutions to the challenges
in the international security regime.
Ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) founded by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won a
critical 2015 Parliamentary Election of Turkey.
In this election
AKP won 316 seats of total 550 members of the Grand National Assembly of the Parliament by
securing 49.4 per cent of the votes.
Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) won 134 by securing 25.4 per cent votes.
Backgroud
The 2015 Turkish general election was snap election which was held throughout country Turkey to
elect 550 members to the Grand National Assembly.
The snap election was called by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in August 2015 after coalition
negotiations between the ruling AKP and the opposition broke down.
It was the 25th general election in the history of the Turkish Republic and elected the country’s
26th Parliament.
BRICS nations Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa signed Moscow Declaration for
partnership in addressing common regional and global socioeconomic challenges by utilising
science, technology and innovation (STI).
It was signed at the third meeting of the BRICS Ministers for Science, Technology and Innovation
held in Moscow, Russia.
Indian delegation to this meeting was led by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science &
Technology and Earth Sciences.
Key facts
The joint declaration seeks to enhance coinvestment of resources to support multilateral
Research and Development (R&D) Projects in mutually agreed areas by BRICS nations.
BRICS nations mutually have agreed on the collaboration for
(i) Cooperation for large research infrastructures, including megascience projects along with
coordination of the existing largescale national programme of member countries.
(ii) Implementation and development of a BRICS Framework Programme for funding joint
multilateral research projects, innovation and technology commercialisation.
(iii) Establishment of BRICS Research and Innovation Networking Platform.
The meeting also endorsed a BRICS Action Plan 201518 on BRICS Science, Technology and
Innovation cooperation.
China, world most populous country has announced to abandon its three decadeslong onechild
policy and changed it twochild policy.
The ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) in this regard has issued an official communiqué at the
end of party’s 4 day plenary session headed by President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The change of policy is intended to
Balance population development world’s second largest economy.
Address the challenge of unnatural negative demographics due rising numbers of old age
population as well as concerns over declining labour force.
This announcement comes amid slowdown of China’s economy which has plunged for the first time
below the 7 per cent figure since the 2009 global economic crisis.
Background
China had introduced its OneChild Policy in 1978 and was implemented in 1980 to rein in
population growth in order to alleviate social, economic and environmental problems in China.
It main intention was reduce population growth of the country by limiting most urban couples to
only one child. In case of rural couples it was limited to only two children if the first child was a girl.
Under this policy only few ethnic minorities were exempted including Tibetans, Uighurs.
The policy was considered controversial as it had forced many abortions and is still being criticised
by Human Rights groups and activists. However, Chinese authorities have claimed this policy was
one of the main reason for its economic prosperity.
China has strongly condemned US warship’s passage near disputed artificial islands in the South
China Sea spiraling tensions between both nations.
On 22 October 2015, guided missile destroyer USS Lassen had entered the 12nautical mile zone
claimed by China around Zhubi reefs in the Spratly archipelago in South China Sea.
China is claiming its full sovereignty over these disputed islands and its adjacent waters in South
China Sea.
China’s Argument: Patrolling and nonpermitted entry of US Ship in Spratly archipelago has
threatened its sovereignty and security interests and also harmed the regional peace and stability.
US Argument: The warship has entered in this region as it is having right of freedom of navigation
in international waters and does not require any prior permission.
It is said that the US warship had undertaken this patrolling operation as part of its Freedom of
Navigation programme aimed at challenging China’s claims over the artificial islands created in this
disputed waters.
Background of Disputes in South China Sea
Disputes in South China Sea is fight mainly between China, Philippines, Vietnam over the territory
and sovereignty of Spratly and Parcels islands in South China Sea along with other atolls, reefs
and rocky outcrops.
Importance of these islands: They are strategically located in South China Sea which is major
international shipping route as world’s half merchant ships passes through it.
They are also having reserves of natural resources around them including petroleum.
China’s claim: It is saying that major portion of these islands belong to them as part of the
historical events and area defined by Nine Dash Line.
Under its claim, China already has started and even completed building artificial islands and even
strategic runways for mobilising its airforce from these islands.
India’s position: Explicitly supports and believes in international laws and arbitration process for
resolving the disputes for regional stability.
John Pombe Magufuli of ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has won the 2015 Tanzanian
Presidential election.
With this victory he became fifth President of Tanzania since its independence from United Kingdom
in 1961.
John Magufuli won this Presidential election by securing 58.46 per cent of the total votes and
defeated Edward Lowassa of opposition Chadema party who received 39 per cent votes.
His win also continues CCM Party’s strong grip on power in Tanzania as it has governed the country
since independence. CCM is the dominant ruling party in Tanzania and one of the longest reigning
ruling party in Africa.
About John Pombe Magufuli
Born: 29 October 1959.
Earlier he had served as Minister of Works (since 2010) in the Cabinet of Tanzania.
He has served as a Member of Tanzanian Parliament since 1995 and was Deputy Minister of
Works (19952000) and Minister of Works (20002006).
He also was Minister of Lands and Human Settlement (20062008) and Minister of Livestock and
Fisheries (20082010).
The Asia Pacific region is the most disaster prone part of the world as it had suffered around 1,625
disasters in the decade through 2014.
It was revealed in recently released 2015 United Nations AsiaPacific Disaster Report.
Key highlights from Report
Disasters in Asia Pacific region accounted for 40 percent of the global total and claimed over half a
million of lives over the decade.
The region needs to spend more on adapting to climate change and preparing for more extreme
weather and disaster risks.
The disasters in past decade have affected around 1.4 billion people and caused over 523 billion
dollars in economic damage.
Around 772 million poor people from this region which tends to be worlds populous region are
vulnerable to disasters.
The largest losses are linked to frequent floods and earthquakes in this region.
Majority of disasters are crossborder in nature including floods, cyclones, droughts and
earthquake. So, regional cooperation is crucial among nations in region.
UN has urged the region’s governments to invest more in adapting and preparing for disasters
may worsened by its rapid economic growth and mushrooming population.
Nepal has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China in order to import all kinds of
fuel in order to ease fuel crisis in the country.
It was signed by Nepal Oil Corp (NOC) and China National United Oil Corporation (PetroChina) in
Beijing to supply all kind of the petroleum products for Nepal needs.
This is the first time that China is commercially supplying petroleum to Nepal and already had agreed
to donate 1.3 million litres of petrol to landlocked Himalayan country.
End of India’s Monopoly
With this Nepal may end a longheld monopoly of buying fuel from the Indian Oil Corp (IOC) as it
had traditionally relied on its southern border crossings with India for trade.
Annually, Nepal used to buy around 1.3 billion dollars of gasoline from IOC.
Nepal had completely relied on India for its trade including fuel from southern border due to
favourable geographic conditions which eased the transportation links with India compared to the
mountainous terrain of the northern routes bordering China.
Economic blockade
Presently, Nepal is facing continued protests and economic blockade at key border trade points
with India over the adaptation of new Republic Constitution.
The agitating protest led by Madhesi Front is claiming that the Constitution does not guarantee
enough rights and representation to the Madhesi and Tharu communities residing in Terai region
of southern Nepal.
The blockade has hit Nepal’s economy hard and hampered the supply of essential goods,
including petroleum products and medicines in Nepal.
US Senate has passed Cyber Security Legislation to facilitating sharing of cyberattack threats. It
was passed by 74 votes in favour of it and 21 votes against it.
The passage of legislation is being considered a critical step to address cyber threats and ensure
tools are in place in to deter future cyberattacks.
Key facts
The bill reconciles with the earlierpassed House Cyber Security Bill.
Seeks to help in preventing future cyberattacks by facilitating a common awareness in the cyber
realm.
Encourages private companies to voluntarily share information related to cyber threat with the
government and one another.
Provides private companies immunity for sharing the information from lawsuits by consumers and
shareholders.
Background
United States Government was under pressure to act in the wake of recent highprofile cyber
attacks against multiples private companies including Sony Pictures and others.
The passage of legislation comes just after US Congress had voted to rein in the powers of the
National Security Agency (NSA) following revelations of vast surveillance programmes in leaked
documents by former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.
A powerful earthquake of magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter scale has hit the Hindukush region of
northeastern Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The focus of earthquake was centred 196 km deep beneath the Hindu Kush Mountains. It was
centred 82 km southeast of Feyzabad district in Afghanistan’s sparsely populated Badakhshan
province bordering with Pakistan, Tajikistan and China. Tremors from this earthquake were felt in
northern India and Tajikistan.
Tectonic activity in Western Himalayan region
Western Himalayan region is one of the most dangerous seismic zones in the world.
In this region, Indian tectonic plate under the Himalayas is getting subducted under the Eurasian
tectonic plate at Pamir Mountains with a rate of 45cm per year.
Usually earthquakes in this region originate at depths greater than 100 km and faultlines along this
convergence point releases huge energy making it more destructive.
Earlier in 2005, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.6 on Richter scale had hit the Pakistan
occupied Kashmir (POK) region and killed more than 75,000 people dead.
Conservative Rightwing Law and Justice (PiS) Party and Eurosceptic led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski has
won the 2015 Parliamentary elections of Poland.
In this election, PiS Party won absolute majority by winning 235 of total 460 seats and securing 39.1
per cent of the votes.
The governing Civic Platform Party led by Ewa Kopacz emerged as largest opposition party by
securing 23.4 per cent of the votes.
With this victory, the deputy leader of PiS Party Beata Szydło is set to become the next Prime Minister
of Poland, succeeding Ewa Kopacz.
Three other parties also won enough votes to get seats in parliament. They are newly formed right
wing Kukiz’15 Party led by Pawel Kukiz (8.8 percent votes), newly formed probusiness Modern
Poland Party (7.6 percent votes) and agrarian Polish People’s Party (5.1 percent votes).
Hurricane Patricia has struck Mexico’s Pacific coast with destructive winds that forced thousands of
people to flee homes and beach front resorts.
The hurricane’s centre (eye) made its landfall in sparsely populated Puerto Vallarta coastline of
Mexico’s west Pacific coast bringing lashing rains, surging seas and cyclonic winds along with it.
Key facts
Patricia has been recorded as the most powerful hurricane in the Western Hemisphere in terms of
barometric pressure.
It was having central pressure of 880 millibars and maximum sustained winds of 325 kph.
US National Hurricane Center (USNHC) has categorized the hurricane as a Category Five storm
which is the highest classification.
Patricia originated near the Gulf of Tehuantepec as a tropical storm and later strengthened to a
hurricane of category 5 storm.
US President Barack Obama has appointed veteran Iraq expert Brett McGurk as Special Envoy to
the USled coalition fighting the Islamic State (IS).
Brett McGurk is a longtime and most trusted White House adviser on Iraq.
He will succeed the retiring General John Allen who had led the global coalition’s campaign against IS
militants in Iraq since its inception in 2014.
Comment
USled coalition’s task of toppling Syrian President Bashar alAssad led government has become
more complex since intervention of Russia and Iran.
Since then the US policy on Syria as floundered faced several setbacks, policy reversals and
increased regional chaos. President Barack Obama also scrapped a 600 million dollar mission to
train Syrian opposition fighters to take on IS.
Britain has signed a landmark nuclear deal with China to build the United Kingdom’s first nuclear
power plant since the 1980s.
The landmark deal was signed in London during the official visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The
agreement is considered as the first major Chinese investment in Western nuclear facility.
Key facts
The agreement was signed between French state owned EDF Energy and General Nuclear Power
Corporation (CGN) of China.
Under this deal, nuclear power plant will be built at Hinkley Point, Somerset near London with total
planned investment of 18 billion pound.
CGN will contribute 6 billion pounds i.e. onethird of the total planned investment. CGN will have
twothirds stake and Areva will have onefifth stake.
The plant will be become operational by 2025 providing affordable power to Britain.
Apart from this landmark deal, both countries also signed deals worth more than 30 billion pounds.
Russia and United States have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to avoid deconfliction
and midair incidents between their air forces over Syrian skies.
The MoU seeks to avoid direct clashes between both air forces in the skies over Syria. It also
includes steps to be taken by pilots to avoid an inadvertent clash over Syria.
Key facts
The text of the MoU has not been disclosed and remained secret but it has laid out means and
protocols for both sides to communicate and establish a hotline on the ground.
It also contains a number of rules and restrictions aimed at preventing incidents between
American and Russian planes.
However, both countries would not share intelligence on their targets.
Background
The issue of military aircraft safety over the Syria began after Russia started bombing targets in the
civil war torn country in September 2015 to target Islamic State (IS) militants. Russia entry was in the
same battle space of US in the Syria created issue related to military aircraft safety and deconfliction.
United States and Spain have reached an in principle agreement to clean up land at Palomares site
(in Spain) contaminated by plutonium radiation from undetonated US nuclear bombs.
The binding clean up deal was finalised in Madrid during US Secretary of State John Kerry official
visit to Spain. Under the agreement, US will remove the soil contaminated by nuclear radiation at
Palomares.
Background
In January 1966, a US B52 bomber plane carrying 4 nuclear bombs had crashed off the coast of
Spain over the Mediterranean Sea. It was one of the most serious nuclear accidents of the Cold
War era.
The plane had crashed after it had collided with a tanker plane during midair refuelling. Of these
4 nuclear bombs, 3 fell around Palomares and a 4th was found on the sea bed.
After the crash, the bombs did not detonated but highly toxic radioactive plutonium from the
bombs leaked and spread over a 490acre area of Palomares town.
Under the earlier agreement which ended in 2010, US had paid 350,000 dollars every year for
tests of radioactive soil contamination in the region as well as regular blood tests for Palomares
residents.
Powerful Typhoon Koppu (also known as Lando) has hit the northern Philippines battering the coast
with powerful winds with speed of 240 kph.
The eye of tropical cyclone (typhoon) Koppu has struck the remote northern coastal town of
Casiguran which is 215 kms northeast of Philippines capital city Manila.
US military’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center has categorised this typhoon equivalent of a Category 4
on the SaffirSimpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
The Typhoon Koppu is considered as the strongest landfalling of tropical cyclone in past five years
faced by Philippines. The most ominous threat of this cyclone is its prolific rainfall which may cause
flood like situations followed by mudslides across the mountains and valleys of Philippines main
northern island of Luzon.
Each year, Philippines is hit by an average of 20 tropical storms, most of them many are deadly. The
North eastern coat of the country is one of the most tropical cycloneprone coastlines on Earth.
Image Source: BBC
Pakistan and Russia have signed a major agreement to build a 1,100km NorthSouth gas pipeline
from Lahore to Karachi.
In this project, Russia will invest 2 billion dollars and it will be built by Russian company RT Global
Resources, a subsidiary of Russian state corporation Rostec.
Key facts
The pipeline is expected to get completed by December 2017 and has capacity of 12.4 billion
cubic metres per annum.
It will connect Karachi’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals with those in Lahore.
The pipeline project will be implemented in compliance with Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT)
model.
It will be owned and operated by the manufacturer for 25 years and after that it will be handed
over to the Pakistan government.
The project will take cooperation between Russia and Pakistan to a new level. It will also help to
develop a multidimensional relationship with Russia in the fields of defence, trade, energy,
culture, infrastructure and other spheres.
Earlier in August 2015, Pakistan and Russia had signed a landmark defence deal for the sale of 4 Mi
35 ‘Hind E’ attack helicopters to Pakistan. Currently, both nations are in talks for the delivery of
Sukhoi Su35 fighter jets which in turn will take cooperation between the two Cold Warera
adversaries to a new level.
Every year 16 October is being observed as World Food Day (WFD).
Significance of Day: It aims to raise public awareness about hunger challenges and encourage
people around the world to take action in the fight against hunger.
It is widely celebrated globally by many organisations concerned with food security including
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and World Food Programme (WFP).
Theme of 2015: ‘Social Protection and Agriculture’.
The theme seeks to underline the role of social protection in reducing chronic food insecurity and
poverty. In this case social protection is viable alternative for stimulating agricultural production and
local economic activity. It also seeks to ensure direct access to food or the means to buy food.
Background
World Food Day commemorates the date of establishment of United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) in 1945.
It was established in November 1979 by FAO’s Member Countries at the 20th General Conference
of FAO to raise awareness of the issues behind poverty and hunger
For the first time it was celebrated on 16 October 1981 and the idea of celebrating the WFD
worldwide was mooted by Hungarian Delegation to FAO.
United States has announced to extend its military presence in Afghanistan beyond 2016 as per shift
in policy to further cooperate for fighting terrorists.
It was confirmed by US President Barack Obama by announcing that around 5,500 troops will be
present in Afghanistan when he leaves office in 2017.
Originally all except a small embassybased force were due to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2016.
But more troops were needed to be deployed in Afghanistan order to help Afghan forces to counter a
growing Taliban threat in wake of recent surge in terrorist attacks.
Currently there are around 9,800 US troops stationed in Afghanistan and they will be stationed in four
locations – Kabul, Bagram, Jalalabad and Kandahar.
Background
Earlier in January 2015, joint USNATO led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) combat
mission in Afghanistan ended and was replaced by NATO Training and Support mission.
It was meant to assist and train Afghan army and police forces in their battle against the Taliban
rather than not directly involving in any combat mission.
It had resulted in creation of vacuum in the internal Security of Afghanistan and there was a surge
in Taliban attacks.
Myanmar government has signed a peace accord with eight of the 15 ethnic armed minorities groups
especially belonging to Kayin and Chin groups to end decades of civil war.
The ceremony was held by President Thein Sein in Naypyidaw in the presence of six international
witnesses including India, China, Japan, Thailand, UN and European Union (EU).
The agreement will remain open for the signature from the other armed groups with which the
government of Myanmar is being involved in negotiations.
Indian delegation was represented by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval along with PM’s
special envoy for northeast R N Ravi and former Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga.
The peace deal is considered as the fruit of more than two years of negotiations between Myanmar’s
junta government and rebels as part of key reforms undertaken President Thein Sein ahead of
November 2015 general elections.
Background
Myanmar was engaged in armed conflict with various ethnic and other groups seeking greater
autonomy since it became independent country from the British colonial rule in 1948.
The armed conflict has left tens of thousands dead over the years and has displaced thousands
more. Resolving the conflicts issues with these armed ethnic groups is seen as Myanmar
Government’s attempts to reform after decades of military rule in the country.
China has operationalised the Zam Hydropower Station built on Brahmaputra River which has raised
concerns in India over the likelihood of disrupting water supplies of River.
Key facts
The dam is considered to be the world’s highestaltitude hydropower station and largest of its kind.
Annually it will produce produces 2.5 billion kilowatthours of electricity.
The power station is located in the Gyaca County of Tibet and is considered as the largest in this
region.
It has six stations to harnesses the rich water resources of Brahmaputra River which is known as
Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet and flows through Tibet into India and later into Bangladesh.
China’s Position: Over India’s fears China mentioned that these projects are runoftheriver and
are not designed to hold water. But India is still concerned over China’s ability and dominance to
release water in times of conflict which can pose serious risk of flooding.
Background
Earlier in 2013, an Indian InterMinisterial Expert Group (IMEG) on the Brahmaputra had called for
further monitoring of Chinese dams and considering their impact on the flow of waters to the lower
reaches.
The IMEG had raised concern over the three dams Zangmu, Jiexu and Jiacha as they are within
25 kms of each other on Brahmaputra River and are located 550 kms from the Indian border.
Under an understanding reached in 2013 between both countries, China had agreed to provide
more flood data of Brahmaputra River from May to October instead of June to October which was
inline with the previous river water agreements signed in 2008 and 2010 respectively.
India has given a grant of five million US Dollars to Palestine as Budgetary assistance.
It was given Indian President Pranab Mukherjee to his is Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas in
Ramallah. Indian President visited Palestine as part of his three Western Asian countries Jordan,
Palestine and Israel.
India has announced 5 projects worth 17.79 million US dollars in Palestine. These projects are $12
million Technology Park at Ramallah, and $1 million IndiaPalestine Centre for Excellence in Gaza,
$4.5 million Palestine Institute for Diplomacy.
India and Palestine also called for a negotiated and peaceful settlement of the IsraelPalestine issue
based on internationally agreed on negotiations and UN Security Council resolutions. India also
ensured Palestine that it continues to support resolution on the formation of a Palestinian state based
on the 1967 border at the UN.
The Parliament of Iran has passed a bill that allows the government to implement a historic nuclear
deal reached with world powers i.e. P5+1 countries.
The accord will protect the Iran’s nuclear program and lifting of international economic sanctions.
Under the provisions of bill Iranian government can withdraw from implementation of the nuclear deal
if the other side fails to lift economic sanctions against Iran. It also says that International inspectors
would have only limited access to military sites.
Background
The Nuclear deal between Iran and socalled P5+1 US, UK, France, China and Russia plus
Germany was struck in July 2015 after 20 months of negotiations.
Between 2006 and 2015, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) had passed seven resolutions
forcing Iran to stop producing enriched uranium which can be used to build nuclear bombs along
with using it for civilian purposes.
The nuclear deal had called for the lifting of economic sanctions in return for Iran curbing sensitive
nuclear programme activities which may had developed nuclear bomb.
Every year 11th October is being observed as International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC). This year it
was fourth edition of this day after it was observed for first time in 2012.
Significance of Day: To recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the
world. The observation also increases awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide based
upon their gender and supports more opportunity for girls.
2015 theme: ‘The Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030’.
This year’s theme focuses on adolescent girls and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to be
achieved by 2030. SDG has set 17 international targets including on gender equality and the
empowerment of all women and girls.
The theme also highlights vulnerable demographic of adolescent girls facing social, economic and
political barriers.
Background
In December 2011, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had adopted Canada backed
Resolution to declare 11th October as the IDGC.
It was first observed in 2012 with theme ‘Ending child marriage’. The theme of IDGC in 2013 and
2014 was ‘Innovating for girl’s education’ and ‘Empowering Adolescent Girls: Ending the Cycle of
Violence’.
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution authorizing the European Union
(EU) and individual countries to use force to tackle the worst refugee crisis.
The EUproposed resolution was supported by majority vote of fourteen council members of total 15
including all 5 permanent members. Venezuela remained abstain from voting.
Key facts
The resolution allows European naval forces to board ships for inspecting, seizing and destroying
vessels smuggling migrants and refugees on the high seas.
It was adopted under Chapter 7 of the UN charter, which authorizes use of force. The resolution is
valid for period of one year.
The resolution will help to take military action against humantrafficking gangs and does not
authorize action in Libyan territorial waters or on its coast.
The resolution was adopted by UNSC after EU countries had launched second phase of Operation
Sophia giving it greater legitimacy (but does not give mandate for this operation). The naval
operation was launched against human smugglers and traffickers in the Mediterranean Sea.
Background
European countries are witnessing greatest illegal refugee and migrant crisis since World War II
and it is considered as one of the worst humanitarian crisis.
The crisis had erupted after an unprecedented number of people from North African (Libya,
Eritrea, Sudan etc) and Middle Eastern (Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan etc) countries started relocating to
European Countries for seeking refuge for better life conditions.
In year 2015 alone, around 3,092 people have died while illegally crossing the Mediterranean Sea
to reach Europe.
In June 2015, EU had launched the first phase of Operation Sophia which was primarily involved
monitoring trafficker networks and rescuing refugees from rickety boats.
Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has resigned from office by submitting his resignation to
President Ram Baran Yadav.
He has resigned to give way to Parliament to elect new Prime Minister and government as per
country’s new Constitution which was adopted on September 20, 2015.
President Ram Baran Yadav has accepted the resignation and asked Mr. Koirala to conduct daily
administrative functions till a new government is formed.
In the election to elect new Prime Minister, Sushil Koirala has filed his candidacy from his Nepali
Congress (NC) party. He will be running against Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–
Leninist) CPNUML Chairman K P Sharma Oli.
Protests and Economic blockade
Presently, Nepal is facing continued protests and economic blockade at key border trade points
with India over the country’s new Constitution.
The agitating protest has led by Madhesi Front which is claiming that the Constitution does not
guarantee enough rights and representation to the Madhesi and Tharu communities residing in
Terai region of southern Nepal.
The blockade has hampered the supply of essential goods, including petroleum products and
medicines in Nepal.
BRICS nations viz. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have issued a Joint Declaration to
ensure orderly and legal migration amongst member nations and respect human rights.
The declaration was issued at the first BRICS Ministerial meeting on Migration held in Sochi, Russia
in line with Ufa Declaration.
Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju had led the Indian delegation to this meeting. It
was also attended by representatives of Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO), Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS) and other International bodies on migration.
Key features of Joint Declaration
Affirmed BRICS nations interest in sharing experience and exchanging views on migration issues.
Accepted the interrelationship between transnational migration and development. It also accepted
the need to address the opportunities and issues that migration presents.
Reaffirmed the openness of the BRICS nations to strengthen collaboration in matters related to
migration with other countries, international and regional organisations.
This collaboration will be based on principle of equality and mutual respect for discussing and
addressing the issue of international migration.
Acknowledged the effect of migration to the social and economic development in the member
countries and expressed their interest in sharing best practices in the implementation and
development of national migration policies or procedures.
Called for strengthening of the dialogue and cooperation in the context of migration. It includes
migration policies, strategies and procedures as well as discussions of representatives of the
migration authorities of the BRICS countries.
In this meeting India has expressed concern over the brain drain through direct outflow of qualified
professionals and educational emigration for all the BRICS nations as it leads to a significant loss of
highly qualified labour force.
World Egg Day was observed on 9 October 2015 as it is being celebrated every year on second
Friday of October as per the directives of International Egg Commission.
Significance of Day: Celebration of this day gives a unique opportunity to help propagate the
nutritive value of eggs in human nutrition. It also helps in increasing egg consumption, which is the
main source of protein.
On this day to promote awareness about the nutritional value of the egg, National Egg Coordination
Committee (NECC) is conducting several programmes and campaign.
Union government has decided to celebrate the day in four places in the country, Bhubaneswar
(Odisha), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh).
Nutritive value of eggs
The egg white consists primarily of water (87 per cent) and protein (13 per cent) along with all the
essential amino acids in the right ratios.
Eggs also contain decent amounts of vitamins, phosphorus, calcium, selenium, folate and zinc.
The unique shell egg makes it only farm product that cannot be adulterated.
Union Cabinet has approved the Protocol amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention
(DTAC) IndiaIsrael and Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) between IndiaVietnam and.
Decision in this regard was taken by the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
These agreements seek for the avoidance of double taxation and for prevention of fiscal evasion with
respect to taxes on income.
The Protocol provides
International standards for effective bilateral exchange of information on tax matters including
bank information and information without domestic tax interest.
Sharing of Information received from Vietnam and Israel in respect of a resident of India with other
law enforcement agencies with authorisation respective agencies.
In case Protocol amending of DTAC with Israel further provides for Limitation of Benefits (LOB)
Article. It is an antiabuse provision which aims at preventing misuse of the Convention.
Background
The existing DTAC between Indian and Israel was signed in 1996. Both signatory parties had
agreed to update Article 27 on the Exchange of Information to meet internationally accepted
standards.
The existing DTAA between Indian and Vietnam was signed in 1994. Both signatory parties had
agreed to update Article 27 on the ‘Exchange of Information’ to meet internationally accepted
standards. They also had agreed to add a new Article on ‘Assistance in the Collection of taxes’, by
amending the Protocol.
12 other Pacific Rim countries have signed TransPacific Partnership (TPP) agreement which
covers about 40 per cent of the world economy.
These 12 countries are: Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Canada, United
States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Australia and New Zealand.
The final agreement was signed after five days of talks in Atlanta, US which was under negotiation for
five years and was delayed repeatedly by negotiations over drug patents.
It should be noted that China being world’s secondlargest economy has been not part of the
agreement.
Key facts
TPP agreement will pave way creation of a new economic bloc with reduced trade barriers
between the 12 nations involved. It Cuts trade tariffs and sets common standards.
Sets minimum standards on various global issues ranging from environmental protection and
Workers Right.
Sets up guidelines for dispute settlement between governments and foreign investors.
Eliminates more than 18000 taxes levied by various countries on American goods in turn
benefiting farmers, ranchers and manufacturers.
Islamic State (IS) militants have blown up the iconic Arch of Triumph in the ancient Syrian city of
Palmyra.
Arch of Triumph was a centrepiece of the UNESCO world heritage site of ancient ruins of Palmyra. It
dated between 193 and 211 AD.
Background
After seizing the ancient city of Palmyra in May 2015, IS militants have demolished several ancient
temples as part of their sustained campaign of destruction of heritage sites (or cultural cleansing).
The ideology of IS has embarked campaign to destroy ancient monuments that predate Islam as
it is against the Islamic principal of promoting idolatry.
Earlier in August 2015 the IS militants had destroyed the 2,000yearold Temple of Bel (Palmyra’s
main temple) and Temple of BaalShamim.
About Palmyra
Oasis town of Palmyra is known as the Pearl of the Desert. It is situated about 210 kilometres
northeast of Damascus (capital of Syria).
In ancient time the city was famous as a stopping point for caravans travelling on ancient Silk
Route which connected East Asia and West Asia.
Prior to Syrian civil war which began in 2011, Palmyra’s ruins were a major attraction as about
150,000 tourists visited city in a year.
For the first time less than 10 per cent of the world’s population will be living in extreme poverty by
the end of 2015.
It was revealed by the World Bank report projections released by Bank President Jim Yong Kim in
Washington, US.
According to World Bank projections
About 702 million people or 9.6 per cent of the world population will live below the poverty line in
2015 and mostly it will comprise populations from SubSaharan Africa and Asia.
There is continuous decline in extreme poverty as result of dynamic economic growth in
developing nations and investment in education and health as well as social safety nets.
There is decline in extreme poverty in Asia (particularly India) and South America. However
slowdown in emerging markets worldwide and in Latin America may spurt extreme poverty.
East Asia and Pacific region was mainly focused in this projections but the reliable data was not
available in parts of the West Asia and North Africa because of conflict.
Previously, World Bank had defined extreme poverty as people living on 1.25 US dollar or less a day.
Now it has been revised to 1.90 US dollar a day to reflect inflation.
Currently, United Nations (UN) defines poverty based on the World Bank’s income measure. UN
recently also has announced its aim to end extreme poverty by 2030 as one of the 17 Sustainable
Development Goals.
United Nations on 5 October 2015 celebrated World Habitat Day.
Significance of Day: It is observed on first Monday of October every year to generate awareness
about the state of human settlements and the future of cities.
Theme for year 2015: Public Spaces for All. The theme aims to recognize good public spaces in
order to enhance community cohesion and promote happiness, health and wellbeing of all citizens. It
also seeks fostering investment, economic development and environmental sustainability.
About World Habitat Day
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through Resolution 40/202 had established World
Habitat Day in 1985. It was first celebrated in 1986.
The purpose of this day is to reflect on the state of our cities and town along with the basic right
adequate shelter for all.
Each year new theme is chosen by the UN which is based on current issues relevant to the
Habitat Agenda and to promote sustainable development policies for ensuring adequate shelter
for all.
Governing Centre Right coalition parties led by Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho have won the
Portugal’s 2015 general election.
In this election the governing coalition has won 99 seats in the 230seat parliament by securing 39%
of votes. However they failed to secure absolute majority in the Parliament.
Socialist Parties have emerged as opposition in this election and have secured 32 per cent vote
share. The leader of the opposition Socialists Antonio Costa has admitted defeat.
It should be noted that in this election, parties to the left of the Socialists have achieved their best
ever result. Left Bloc has won 10% of the vote share and secured 19 seats, while the Communists
won 8% of the vote share.
The election was seen as a referendum on 4 years of spending cuts and austerity measures
undertaken by the centre right coalition government. Presently Portugal is among five eurozone
nations referred as PIIGS nations which are economically weaker following the 2008 global financial
crisis. 5 PIIGS eurozone nations are Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain.
Nepal has turned to the United Nations over alleged obstruction of a key border trade point with India
which has resulted in acute shortage of essential goods.
Nepal’s position
Claims to be suffering from scarcity of essential goods like fuel and cooking gas due to
“undeclared blockade” of a key trade point at the border with India.
Appealed to the international community to ensure effective and unhindered freedom of transit of
landlocked countries is not curtailed.
Issue of India’s blockade is affecting implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action from year
2014 to 2024 of developing countries (LLDCs) like Nepal.
The problem of economic blockade had arisen after people especially of Terai region of Nepal had
started protesting against its newlypromulgated Constitution.
India however has rejected Nepal’s allegations over blockade as false. It has emphasised that it can
only take goods trucks up to the border and beyond that it is the responsibility of the Nepalese side to
ensure adequate safety and security for the trucks.
Germany celebrated 25 years of reunification on 3 October 2015 marking the day in 1990 when
communist East Germany and capitalist West Germany reunited country.
On this occasion of silver jubilee celebration, Germany has organised a street party at the
Brandenburg Gate as the symbol of German unity.
Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Joachim Gauck also attended the ceremonies in
the business capital Frankfurt with the resonant slogan overcoming borders.
Both of the leaders had grown up in East Germany and Merkel was a scientist in East Germany, while
Gauck was a pastor and a prodemocracy activist.
Currently the reunified Germany has emerged as a leader and economic powerhouse of Europe.
Background
On 3 October 1990, Unification Treaty came into effect uniting two halves together of then divided
Germany. Since then this date is marked as Germany’s national day.
This treaty came into effect one year after the fall of Berlin Wall which had separated the capital city
into two parts comprising communist East Berlin and democratic West Berlin in Germany from 1961
to 1989.
International Current Affairs Current Affairs Current
Affairs Today
Taliban militants have captured the strategic northern Afghan city of Kunduz in a massive assault
involving hundreds of fighters.
This massive attack comes a day before the first anniversary of President Ashraf Ghani’s unity
government. It is also one of the massive attack undertaken by Taliban militants after formal end of
USNATO coalition mission in Afghanistan in December 2014.
Setback: Kunduz is also the first provincial capital to be seized by the Taliban militants after they had
lost their power after the USled invasion in 2001. The fall of Kunduz marks a major setback for
Afghan government forces who are struggling to combat the Taliban militants since the shift US and
NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) combat mission to a supporting role.
Strategic Importance: Kunduz province is strategically important as it is considered a gateway to
Afghanistan’s Northern provinces and Central Asia as it shares a border with Tajikistan.
G4 countries viz Brazil, Germany, India and Japan have issued a Joint Statement on United
Nations Security Council Reforms (UNSC).
It was issued after G4 meeting held in New York,US which was called by Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and was Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel
and Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe.
G4 leaders in meeting
Stressed on more legitimate, representative and effective UNSC reforms to address the global
conflicts and crises which have spiralled in recent years.
Shared the view that global conflicts and crises of the international community in the 21st century
which can be solved by more Member States representing UNSC.
Unanimously supported the early reforms of the Security Council as an essential element of the
overall effort to reform UN with regard to maintenance of international peace and security.
Strongly emphasized that the reform of the Security Council should be conducted in a fixed time
frame given its urgency.
Welcomed the adoption textbased negotiations by UN General Assembly presented by the
President of the 69th assembly.
Appreciated the efforts of Member States of the African Group, CARICOM and the L.69 Group in
moving towards textbased negotiations.
Supported Africa’s representation in both the permanent and nonpermanent membership in the
Security Council.
United Nations on 25 September 2015 unanimously adopted an ambitious agreement on the
outcome document New Sustainable Development Agenda for the next 15 years i.e. till 2030.
The document in this regard was adopted in 70th session of United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) and was announced by its President Mogens Lykketoft at the UN headquarters in New York.
Key facts
The agreement outlines 17 nonbinding goals termed as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
with 169 specific targets that comprise different socioeconomic issues.
The new agenda document called “Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development” was built on the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
These goals will succeed 8 MDGs which was adopted in 2000 for fifteen years in Rio 20+ summit
of United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlines broader sustainability agenda dealing with ‘five
Ps’ people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership.
It seeks to address the universal need for development that works for all people and root causes
of poverty.
It calls for eradicating hunger and poverty, improving living standards, ensuring quality education,
affordable and reliable energy, achieving gender equality and taking urgent action to combat
climate change etc.
It also includes specific goals on economic indicators for first time.
A powerful earthquake magnitude 6.6 on Richter scale has hit Indonesia’s eastern region of Papua.
As per US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre of earthquake was centred 28 kilometers north
of Sorong and it had occurred at a depth of 24 kilometers.
This underwater quake had no potential of generating tsunami waves along nearby coasts.
Indonesia which is the world’s largest archipelago falls in so called region of Pacific Ring of Fire, an
arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin prone to earthquakes.
In 2004, huge undersea earthquake off the shores of Aceh (Sumaratan province) in Indonesia had
triggered a giant tsunami which had killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries including India with
coasts on the Indian Ocean.
Alexis Tsipras of left wing Syriza party has sworn in as the Prime Minister of Greece.
He was administered oath to the office by the President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.
It is second time, Alexis Tsipras has sworn in as the PM of Greece. Earlier in January 2015, he had
sworn in for first becoming youngest PM of Greece since 1865 at the age of 40.
Background
In the September 2015 general (snap) elections to the Greece’s Parliament, Alexis Tsipras led left
wing Syriza party had emerged as the largest party.
In this election, Syriza party had won 144 seats in the 300 seat Parliament by securing 35 percent
of total votes.
In order to meet governing majority in the Parliament, Syriza party had formed a coalition
government with the support of Independent Greeks Party.
Alexis Tsipras led leftwing Syriza party has emerged as the largest party in the general (snap)
elections to the Greece’s Parliament.
In this election, Syriza party won 144 seats in the 300 seat Parliament by securing 35 percent of total
votes. While the Conservative New Democracy Party has emerged second largest party by winning
75 seats and Golden Dawn has emerged third largest party by winning 18 seats.
It is the second election victory for Syriza party as it had earlier in January 2015 had formed coalition
government with Alexis Tsipras as Prime Minister for first time.
Backgroud
In August 2015, the snap elections were called in Greece by President after then ruling Syriza
Party led by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras jad lost its majority in the Parliament.
The Syriza Party had lost its majority after some its members opposed the European Union bailout
package of 86 billion US dollar which was accepted by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
This snap election was held under the caretaker government led by first female Prime Minister of
Greece Vassiliki Thanou. She was appointed in August 2015 by President Prokopis Pavlopoulos .
Comment
With this victory, Syriza party which is falling short of a governing majority is expected to form a
coalition government with the support of Independent Greeks Party which was its partner in the
previous government.
This victory also gives Syriza Party another opportunity to deal effectively with Greece’s economic
crisis which is centre of Eurozone crisis due to huge debt and carry out new economic reform
process.
Every year September 21 is being observed as International Day of Peace across the world.
The theme for the year 2015 is Partnerships for Peace Dignity for All.
Significance: The International Day of Peace acknowledges the efforts of those who have strived to
end conflict and promote peace. This day is also observed as a day of ceasefire.
The United Nations calls all nations and people to devote this day to strengthen the ideals of peace
both within and among all nations and peoples.
About International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by a passage of resolution 36/67 of the
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982.
This day coincides with its opening session of UNGA which usually held annually on the third
Tuesday of September.
In 2001, UNGA had unanimously voted to adopted resolution for established 21 September as an
annual day of nonviolence and ceasefire.
Nepal has adopted new Constitution marking the country’s transition to a secular and democratic
republic.
The new Constitution was unveiled by Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav at a special ceremony
held in Parliament at Kathmandu.
Earlier the Parliament had unanimously adopted the new Constitution by a 50725 votes in the 601
seat Constituent Assembly (CA) after seven years of painstaking deliberations.
The lawmakers of CA from Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist)
and UCPN Maoist supported the new constitution.
The new constitution defines the Nepal, a majority Hindu nation as a secular republic divided into
seven federal provinces.
It should be noted that this is fifth constitution enacted by Nepal. The previous four constitutions were
enacted in 1959, 1962, 1990 and 1999.
Background
The new Constitution has been drafted by second Constituent Assembly (CA) which was elected in
2013. Chairman of CA was Subash Nemwang.
The first CA established 2008 after the abolishment of the Himalayan country’s 240yearold Hindu
monarchy was not able to finish its task despite four extensions.
Japan’s parliament has passed two security laws to amend its pacifist constitution framed after WWII
to allow its troops to fight abroad.
The bills already have been approved by Parliament’s lower house and it was voted into law by the
Upper Chamber on 19 September 2015.
Key facts
These laws are considered as major defence policy shift of Japan that could let troops fight
overseas for the first time since 1945.
They also in turn loosen the limits of the pacifist constitution on the military and allow Japan to get
involved in collective selfdefence.
The major defence policy shift of Japan comes in the light of China’s increasing military strength
and assertiveness in the AsiaPacific region.
Earlier Article 9 of Japan’s Pacifist Constitution renounced of war and clearly mentioned Japanese
people forever renounce war as a sovereign right and will not use military force as means for
settling international disputes.
However, new security laws allow Japanese troops to fight abroad in case of collective self
defence or Japan’s survival is threatened. It will also give fillip to defence expenditure and industry
of Japan which is presently 9th largest country in terms of defence expenditure.
Earthquake of 8.3magnitude on Richter scale has hit off Chile’s coast in Illapel, the capital of Choapa
Province in central Coquimbo Region of Chile.
US Geological Survey has noted its epicenter at a depth of 12.5 kilometers off Chile’s coast in Illapel.
After the initial earthquake, two aftershock quakes of magnitudes 6.2 and 6.4 occurred west of Illapel.
Tsunami Warning
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has issued tsunami warnings for Chile, P
eru and Hawaii.
The PTWC also issued tsunami alert for waves of between 0.3 to 1 metres for Japan, Antarctica,
and most of the South Pacific countries including New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and Solomon
Islands.
Chile and Earthquakes
Chile is one of the world’s most earthquake prone countries as it lies on so called Pacific Ring of
Fire.
It is located on the seismically active location that runs along the boundary between the Nazca
and South American tectonic plates.
These plates are continuously grinding each other at a rate of up to 80mm per year.
The strongest earthquake recorded on Earth of magnitude 9.3 on Richter scale had hit Chile in
1960 which had killed more than 5000 people.
Nepal’s Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a new constitution after seven years of painstaking
efforts and deliberations.
The new Constitution was passed by a 50725 vote in the 601seat Constituent Assembly (CA) after
the voting and is due to come into effect on 20 September 2015.
The lawmakers of CA from Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist)
and UCPN Maoist supported the draft constitution.
It should be noted that this is fifth constitution enacted by Nepal. The previous four constitutions were
enacted in 1959, 1962, 1990 and 1999.
Features of Nepal’s new constitution
Establishes Nepal as secular and federal democratic republic. It moves away from the existing
unitary structure.
The constitution vest executive rights of the country on the Council of Ministers headed by Prime
Minister. While the President would be ceremonial headofthestate.
It establishes bicameral federal parliament and split the country into seven federal provinces.
It establishes competitive multiparty democratic system with periodic elections.
Enshrines fundamental rights, civic freedom, human rights, voting rights and full press freedom etc
to its citizens.
It establishes independent, fair and competent judiciary in order to build the nation with the
commitment to socialism based on rule of law and democratic norms and values.
Backgroud
The new Constitution has been drafted by second Constituent Assembly (CA) which was elected in
2013. Chairman of CA was Subash Nemwang.
The first CA established 2008 after the abolishment of the Himalayan country’s 240yearold Hindu
monarchy was not able to finish its task despite four extensions.
Hungarian Government has declared a state of emergency in its two regions of Csongrad and Bacs
Kiskun to cope with the influx of refugees. It was declared by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
This move could pave the way to bringing in Hungary’s military to patrol the frontier bordering Serbia
to stop illegal influx.
This declaration comes after more than 10,000 people claiming to be Syrian and Afghan refugees
were detained by Hungarian police for illegally crossing the border from Serbia.
Refugee Crisis
Hungary’s decision will effect in closure main route of the European Union (EU) border for the
illegal refugee influx chain. But it is said that after closing of main route, refugees will divert their
route from other countries.
Being a central European nation, Hungary had emerged as epicenter of a refugee crisis which had
erupted after an unprecedented number of people from North African (Libya, Eritrea, Sudan etc)
and Middle Eastern (Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan etc) countries started relocating to European
Countries for seeking refuge and better life conditions.
So far in 2015, over 200,000 refugees have reached Hungary by walking across the southern
border with Serbia by crossing Turkey, Greece and Mediterranean Sea.
It should be noted that European countries are witnessing a greatest illegal refugee crisis since World
War II and is considered as one of the worst humanitarian crisis. Earlier in September 2015,
Germany had introduced border controls along its Austrian border to check refugee influx. It had led
to Germany’s temporarily exit from the Schengen Agreement of EU which facilitates unhindered
movement of people within the EU countries.
North Korea’s main nuclear facility at the Yongbyon complex has resumed normal operations after it
was shut down in 2007.
With this development it appears that North Korea is intensifying nuclear and ballistic missile
development efforts in quality and quantity.
Yongbyon’s reactor was shut down in 2007 under a sixnation aidfordisarmament accord. But the
dictatorial Kim Jong Un regime vowed to restart it again in 2013, following its third nuclear test and
amid high regional tensions.
The reactor at this nuclear facility has been the source of plutonium for North Korea’s nuclear
weapons programme. If it is restarted, the reactor could potentially enrich plutonium to make one
nuclear bomb per year.
Presently, North Korea is under United Nations economic sanctions for its strategic nuclear weapons
programme and it was further tightened after its 2013 test.
North Korea’s nuclear weapons Test and NPT
In 2009, North Korea had declared that it had developed a nuclear weapon and has become a
fullyfledged nuclear power. The communist country probably possesses a small stockpile of
relatively simple nuclear weapons.
Nuclear Test: North Korea had successfully conducted its first nuclear test in October 2006 with
yield less than a kiloton.
The second test was conducted on May 25, 2009 with estimated yield between 2 and 7 kilotons. It
is also believed that in 2013, third underground nuclear test was carried.
Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty (NPT): North Korea is fourth fullyfledged nuclear country after
India, Israel and Pakistan which has never joined the NPT. Actually, North Korea had acceded to
the NPT in 1985 but never came into compliance and withdrawn itself in 2003.
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted textbased negotiations on UN Security
Council (UNSC) reforms. It will set the stage for talks on the UNSC reforms issue at its 70th session.
The draft textbased negotiations include questions on equitable representation and increase in the
membership of UNSC.
India has welcomed the UNGA’s decision to carry forward the text and described the development as
significant and historic. Now it needs to be adopted by consensus by all UN Member States in order
reflect of the broad support of the international community to move forward on this issue.
India is looking forward to early commencement of textbased negotiations with a view to securing
concrete outcomes during the upcoming 70th Session of the UNGA. It also has called upon all
Member States of UN to constructively engage in this process so that the long pending reform of the
UNSC can be achieved to give it more power to address the global challenges more effectively.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott was ousted from power as leader of the ruling centreright
Liberal Party by challenger Malcolm Turnbull.
In an internal party leadership ballot, Abbott received 44 votes while Turnbull received 54 votes. Prior
to challenging the leadership of Tony Abbott, Turnbull had resigned from the cabinet.
He had blamed the Prime Minister Tony Abbott was incapable of providing the economic leadership
the country needs.
Malcolm Turnbull is expected to be sworn in as new Prime Minister of Australia after Abbott writes to
the Governor General and resigns. He will become the 29th Prime Minister of the country.
Turnbull will be Australia’s fourth PM since 2013. Labor Party PM Julia Gillard was ousted by rival
Kevin Rudd in a leadership vote in 2013. Later Tony Abbott became PM after Liberal Party and its
coalition partners the National Party won in general election in September 2013.
Under the Australian parliamentary system similar to Indian system, Prime Minister is not directly
elected by voters but he is the leader of the party or coalition that can command a majority in
parliament.
The Constituent Assembly of Nepal has overwhelmingly rejected the proposal to declare Nepal a
Hindu state and reaffirmed to remain secular.
The proposal to amend the constitution received the support of only 21 lawmakers of the Constituent
Assembly in the total 601 member assembly. In order to pass this proposal, it was necessary to
secure the required 10 percent of votes.
The proposal to amend the Constitution to make the Hindumajority nation as a Hindu state was
forwarded by ProHindu National Democratic Party of Nepal. The proposal had demanded to make
changes in Article 4 of the revised bill of the new constitution.
Earlier in 2007, the Himalayan nation was declared a secular state after the success of the People’s
Movement of 2006 to overthrow the Monarchy.
Presently, Nepal has entered the final phase of promulgating its new Constitution with the three major
parties going ahead with clausewise voting on the final draft of the statute in the Constituent
Assembly.
Renowned American playwright, screenwriter and film producer and director Frank D Gilroy passed
away in Monroe, New York. He was 89.
In 1965, he has won prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play The Subject Was Roses.
He had written screenplay for a 1968 film adaptation starring Albertson and Patricia Neal which was
earned both actors Oscar nominations, resulting in a win for Albertson.
Gilroy also had directed movies for television and the big screen including the 1971 Desperate
Characters. He also had received the Tony Award for Best Play for The Subject Was Roses in 1965.
Gilroy was born on October 13, 1925 in New York City, United States. He had served in the army
from 1943 to 1946.
In recently concluded 2015 Singapore General Elections, People’s Action Party (PAP) led by Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong has emerged victorious.
PAP returned to power after scoring a landslide victory by winning an absolute majority of 83 seats in
the 89 member Parliament. The opposition Workers’ Party won 6 seats.
In this general election, PAP has secured 70 per cent of all valid votes up from 60.14 per cent in the
2011 general elections, when it had won 81 of the 87 constituency.
With this victory, governing PAP has secured their 14th consecutive term in office since independence
of citystate in 1965. 2015 Singapore General Elections was country’s first election after the death of
its founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Parliamentary Elections in Singapore
As per Constitution of Singapore, the Parliament has maximum term of five years after that it must be
dissolved by the President and elections must be held within three months.
Voting is mandatory in Singapore and is based on the firstpastthepost system. The elections are
conducted by the Elections Department, which is under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister’s Office.
For the first time, Qatar has deployed ground troops in Yemen to counter the Shia Houthi rebels who
have taken over the country.
In this regard, Qatar has deployed around one thousand ground troops, supported by armoured
vehicles and military helicopters in Marib province of Yemen.
Earlier in March 2015, Qatar along with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members (expect
Oman) had signed a joint statement with Saudi Arabia to form coalition in order to take military action
against the rebels in order to bring regional stability in the Gulf region.
Yemeni Crisis: Background
Yemeni Crisis began after security situation in the country deteriorated after the Shia Houthis
rebels had seized power by dissolving Yemen’s government and parliament in January 2015.
The rebels have taken the control of key government buildings in Yemen’s capital Sanaa including
Presidential Palace.
The conflict in the country is mainly between Yemeni government along with their allies, southern
separatist’s forces loyal to the government of Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, Houthi forces and forces
loyal to the former president Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Saudi Arabia led coalition includes gulf countries like United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and
Kuwait (all GCC members). While, United States is providing logistical and intelligence support.
Canada’s economy has fallen into a recession for first time after global financial crisis of 2009.
Statistics Canada, nodal national statistical agency of Canada has reported that its economy i.e.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has retreated at an annual pace of 0.5 per cent from April through
June 2015.
In earlier quarter first three months of the year 2015, the economic slowdown had appeared which
had felled to 0.8 per cent. Technically, two consecutive negative quarters leads to recession.
In recent situation, Canada was dragged into the economic to slow down due to external pressure of
falling oil prices and economic troubles in China. In an effort to revive the economy, Bank of Canada
had cut interest rates twice in year 2015.
Canada is the world’s 11thbiggest economy and the United States’ (US) biggest trading partner. The
last time in 200809, Canada was in recession after the US housing market meltdown had triggered a
global credit crisis. But, Canadian economy suffered far less damage from the financial crisis and
great Recession compared to its southern neighbour.
NASA and US Agency for International Development (USAID) have started the SERVIRMekong
project, to strengthen the environmental monitoring in Southeast Asia region.
It has been launched in the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center in Bangkok, Thailand to serve the 5
countries of the Mekong River Basin viz. Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Key facts
The focus of this project is to host vital issues in the Mekong river basin region in the five countries
which is often called as rice bowl of Asia.
It will enable these countries better address issues of natural resource and disaster management
and support climate resilience studies including reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
The project will help these Governments incorporate Earth observations and geospatial
technologies in improving management of water and natural resources.
Provide early warning of dramatic changes in regional water, weather, land cover and land use
and climate and food security.
About SERVIR project
It was initiated in 2005 by researchers at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Centre in Alabama. It name
SERVIR is has been derived from Spanish which means to serve.
It has been developed by an alliance of more than 90 nations and organisations which are
collaborating to build a global Earthobserving system to benefit society’s needs.
Pakistan has banned the Islamic State (IS) militant group which has undertaken vast stretches of Iraq
and Syria in its control.
This decision was taken Pakistan Government on the recommendation of the Foreign Office, which
regularly updates it about international militant groups banned by the United Nations (UN).
Why Pakistan is concerned about IS militant group?
The UN banned group is believed to have gained a strong foothold in the border regions of
Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Following the death of Taliban leader Mullah Muhammad Omar, the IS has become powerful in
Afghanistan overtaking its weaker contenders Taliban and alQaida.
Even some top Taliban militants joined IS and under their leadership the group has fought pitched
battles with Taliban inside Afghanistan.
In Pakistan, several graffiti and banners (known as Daesh in Arabic) supporting IS, have been
often appeared which had raised security concerns.
India’s position on IS militant group
Union Government already has banned brutal terror group Islamic State under the provisions of
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and following the provisions of section two of the United
Nations (Security Council) Act, 1947.
India took this decision in December 2014 after UN has banned it under its sanctions regime of the
Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism (Implementation of Security Council Resolutions) Order,
2007.
South and North Korea have reached an agreement to defuse a crisis that had pushed the two rivals
to the brink of armed conflict recently.
In this regard both nations have issued a joint statement which includes series of measures.
Key facts
North Korea has expressed regret and publicly apologised over mine blasts which had occurred
earlier in August 2015 in demilitarized zone between both countries.
The mine had seriously injured two South Korean soldiers on border patrol.
In retaliation for the mine blasts, South Korea had resumed loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts
into North Korea.
But in joint statement it has agreed to halt loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts into North Korea.
Both countries also agreed to work towards resumption of reunions for families separated by the
195053 Korean War in September 2015.
They also agreed to hold official talks in either capital city Seoul or Pyongyang at a date to be
decided.
United National Party (UNP) led United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG) has emerged
as largest group by winning 106 seats out of total 225 seats in Sri Lankan Parliamentary election
2015.
Leader of the UNFGG and UNP and current Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to
form a new government with the support of 95 MPs of United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) loyal
to President Maithripala Sirisena.
Background
Sri Lankan parliamentary election 2015 was held on 17 August 2015 to elect 225 members to Sri
Lanka’s 15th Parliament.
The voter turnout for this election was record 77.66 per cent.
Seat Allocation: Of the total 225 seats, 196 were to be directly elected from 22 multimember
electoral districts based on open partylist proportional representation method.
While, remaining 29 seats are National list seats which are allotted to the parties on basis of their
overall votes secured by them.
Party wise results
United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG) – 93 seats were won in direct election
and 13 seats in National list. Thus total seats won are 106.
United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) – won 83 seats directly won and 12 seats in National
list. Thus total seats won are 95. It should be noted that UPFA was led by former President
Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Tamil National Alliance (TNA)won 16 seats. They are largest party representing Sri Lankan
Tamils.
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna– won 6 seats.
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress– won 1 seat.
Eelam People’s Democratic Party won 1 seat.
Comment
With this parliamentary election results, Mahinda Rajapaksa era in Sri Lankan politics came to end as
he was seeking to return to power after earlier massive defeat in Presidential elections 2015 (He was
defeated by Maithripala Sirisena).
Egypt has approved stringent new counterterrorism laws to fight the menace of growing jihadist
insurgency in the country.
These laws were approved by Egyptian President Abdul Fattah alSisi.
The new laws propose
Establishment of special courts to fasttrack trials for suspected militants.
Provides additional legal protection for Police and Military Officers involved in counterterrorism
operations.
Impose stringent punishment of death penalty on terrorists found guilty of setting up or leading a
terrorist group.
Anyone found guilty of joining a terrorist group can face up to 10 years in prison. While those
involved in financing terrorist groups get a penalty of life in prison for 25 years.
Guilty person in case of creating websites deemed to spread terrorist messages or inciting
violence will face sentence of five to seven years.
If Journalists fail for contradicting official accounts of militant attacks they can be fined between 2
and 5 lakh Egyptian pounds.
China and Pakistan have signed 20 more agreements worth 1.6 billion dollars to implement the
ambitious ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
These agreements were signed at the CPEC Forum held at Karamay city in Xinjiang province of
China bordering Pakistanoccupied Kashmir (PoK). In this forum both countries also issued the
Karamay Manifesto.
About ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project
3,000 km strategic CPEC project is brainchild of China and is part of its ambitious six economic
corridors conceived under Silk Road Economic Belt and 21stCentury Maritime Silk Road.
It connects Xinjiang Province of China with Pakistan’s strategic Gwadar Port and passes
through PoK.
It was launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Pakistan in April 2015.
During this visit, around 51 agreements were signed of which 30 were linked to this strategic
corridor.
Significance: CPEC project seeks to boost economic cooperation, political trust and cultural
exchanges between China and Pakistan.
It is regarded as the biggest connectivity project between the two countries with total
investments around 46 billion dollars.
The project includes building of railways, highways as well as pipelines in order to shorten
China’s energy imports route from the Middle East by about 12,000 kms.
India’s Concern: As it passes through disputed territory of PoK, India has conveyed its
objections to China.
Greece has agreed a new in principle multibillion euro bailout deal with its creditors.
It was announced by the European Commission (EC) after series of marathon talks between Greece
and its lenders in Athens.
In this regard a technical agreement has been reached between the EC and Greece. The agreement
will now require political approval from the debt ridden country.
The bailout deal comprises a package of 85 billion euros over next three year. This agreement will
keep Greece in the Eurozone currency and avert bankruptcy which may had led to a negative
cascading effect on global economy.
Some key points of Greek bailout deal
Secures funding of around €85 billion for Greece to service its debt as well as to settle public
payment delays and arrears over the next 3 years
Reduces fiscal surpluses of Greece for the next 3 years by 11% of GDP which curtail the decision
of new austerity measures in the forthcoming period.
Recapitalisation of the banking sector of Greece. It will be completed by the end of 2015.
Provides €35 billion development package to debt ridden country which dubbed as the Juncker
package.
Australian government has announced to cut country’s greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions by 2628
per cent of 2005 levels by 2030 as part of negotiations on a global climate deal.
In this regard, Conservative Prime Minister Tony Abbott led government will submit its target to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Australia’s announcement in this regard comes ahead of Climate change conference which is
scheduled to be held in Paris in December 2015.
Being world’s largest exporter of coal and iron ore, Australia is one of the largest carbon emitters on a
per capita mainly due to its reliance on coalfired power plants.
Currently the country is aiming to reduce its emissions by 5 per cent by 2020, based on the level of
emissions target set in 2000.
Prospects for 2015 Paris conference of UNFCCC
The Paris conference is aiming for international efforts to create a new frame work for addressing
climate change. The new international framework will seek to replace existing 1997 Kyoto
Protocol.
The main reason considered to replace this antiglobal warming treaty is due to its ineffective
implementation because only rich countries (developed) were required to limit their emissions.
The new framework will seek to bring poorer countries (developing) under its ambit and force
them to make commitments under the new framework.
Japan for the first time has switched on a nuclear reactor nearly two years after all nuclear power
stations were closed aftermath of the Fukushima disaster of 2011.
The No 1 reactor at Sendai plant of Kyushu Electric Power started its operations and within few days
it will start producing full power. The second Sendai reactor will restart its operation later in October
2015.
Approval to start reactor was given by Japan’s apex regulator, Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA)
based on stricter safety rules imposed after the 2011 accident.
Fukushima Nuclear disaster
In March 2011, Fukushima Nuclear disaster, an energy accident had occurred in Fukushima Dai
ichi nuclear power plant located in northeastern Japan. It was triggered by a powerful earthquake
and followed by tsunami.
It is the largest nuclear disaster since the Chernobyl disaster of 1986 and the second disaster
(along with Chernobyl) to measure Level 7 on the International Nuclear Event Scale.
It had displaced more than 100,000 people due to radioactive contamination. The disaster had
spurred a national and international debate over safety issue related nuclear power.
After this catastrophic nuclear disaster, Japan had closed all its nuclear power plants over the
safety issue.
Importance of nuclear power to Japan
Prior to Fukushima crisis in 2011 which had shattered atomic energy in Japan, nuclear power was
main integral source of electricity for the energy hungry industrial country.
It accounted for nearly quarter of Japan’s electricity production. Being resourcescarce country it
was completly depended on reliance of nuclear power for its energy security.
But after the Fukushima crisis, Japan had increased the imports and production of gas, oil and
coal to overcome the energy deficit.
By March 2015, about 91 per cent of Japan’s electricity came from imported fossil fuels which had
led to large trade deficits and increased the electricity prices by more than 20 per cent.
The trade and energy deficit had resulted in dampening of Japan’s economic activity leading to
curtailed tax revenues.
In line with economic slowdown in China, the People’s Banks of China devalued yuan by 2 per cent
against the US dollar.
Devaluation was done based on a new way of managing the exchange rate that better reflected
market forces which differs greatest from the one introduced at the start of 1994.
Devaluation was done with an aim:
To encourage export through devalued yuan.
To support domestic demand and to help Chinese firms to borrow and invest abroad.
To encourage foreign firms and governments to make greater use of the currency.
Immediate Reason of Devaluation:
Exports tumbled due to weaker demand from its trading partners.
Steep drop in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets in late June and early July.
Weaker consumer demand within China.
Sales dropped in Automobile sector.
Methodology
Chinese currency is not freely tradable its movements are tightly controlled by the government. Every
morning People’s Bank of China sets a midpoint for the yuan’s value against the dollar and other
major currencies.
This midpoint is set in window of as much as 2 percent higher or lower than the previous day’s value,
but usually the change is in tiny fraction of 1 percent.
Usually People’s Bank of China (PBOC) manages the exchange rate through an official midpoint
using formula based on a basket of currencies, but under the new methodology which sets midpoint
based on market force has devalued the yuan greater since 1994.
Note: Initially China’s currency was fixed peg to the dollar that ended in 2005. Since then, it has risen
more than 25 percent against the dollar, strengthened even more against the euro and the yen.
A highintensity earthquake has struck the Hindukush region in Afghanistan.
As per India Meteorological Department (IMD) this earthquake was having magnitude of 6.2 on the
Richter scale and had occurred at a depth of 210 km with its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region.
The tremors of this earthquake were felt in several parts of North India including Jammu and Kashmir
and Delhi. Tremors were also felt across the border in Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad Peshawar and
Sargodah in Pakistan and in the GilgirBaltistan region in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the
bordering regions of Afghanistan.
Geologically this north western region is situated in a highly vulnerable earthquake zone. In the past
several earthquakes had caused devastation in this region. In 2005, an earthquake of 7.6 magnitude
on Richter scale had killed more than 40,000 people in both parts of Kashmir in India and Pakistan.
70th anniversary of dropping of disastrous Atomic bomb on Nagasaki city of Japan was observed
across the world.
A solemn ceremony including ageing survivors, relatives of victims observed and guests from 75
countries was held on the ground zero by marking a minute’s silence at 11:02 am local time at which
the devastating explosion took place on August 9, 1945.
Key facts
The atomic bomb (powerful plutonium bomb) dubbed as ‘Fat Man’ was dropped from a US
Boeing B29 Superfortress bomber named the Enola Gay on Nagasaki. This bomb killed around
70 thousand people and completely destroyed entire city.
The bomb was dropped on Nagasaki three days after the first atomic bomb named ‘Little Boy’
was dropped in Hiroshima on 6th August, 1945 which killed around 140,000 people and destroyed
entire city.
The twin bombings by US were dealt as the final blows to Japan which led to its unconditional
surrender on August 15, 1945, bringing an end to World War.
It should be noted that these nuclear bombs attack on Japanese cities, are only instance in
warfare history of mankind in which nuclear weapons by any country were used against another.
India has decided to boycott the 61st Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) which is
scheduled to be held in Islamabad in September 2015.
India took this extreme step in order to protest Pakistan’s (CPC 2015 host) unilateral decision of not
inviting Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Assembly speaker Kavinder Gupta.
This decision was unanimously taken at a meeting of Speakers of all States and was announced by
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.
As per Indian delegates this unilateral decision of Pakistan not to invite J&K Assembly Speaker for
CPC violates the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Constitution.
However, Pakistani delegates mentioned that they don’t recognise the elected Assembly and the
government of J&K so they did not invite its assembly speaker.
IndianAmerican Atul Keshap has been appointed as the United States (US) Ambassador to Maldives
and Sri Lanka.
With this appointment he became the second Indianorigin US diplomat to be posted as Ambassador
to the region after Richard Rahul Verma (US Ambassador to India).
Presently he is working as Deputy Assistant Secretary of US in South and Central Asian Affairs in the
Bureau of State Department. He is a former official of US Embassy in India.
About Atul Keshap
Keshap was born in Nigeria in June, 1971.
His father Keshap Chander Sen who was a UN development economist working in Nigeria hailed
from Punjab. His mother, Zoe Calvert, was in the US Foreign Service.
Diplomat Career: Keshap had joined the US Foreign Service in 1994. From 2005 to 2008, he had
served as the deputy political counsellor at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi.
He also had served as special assistant for the North Africa, Middle East and South Asia for the
undersecretary of state for political affairs.
In 2003, he was appointed as director for Middle Eastern and North African regional affairs on the
National Security Council in the White House.
From 2008 to 2010, he also had served as the Director for UN Human Rights in the Bureau of
International Organization Affairs.
Egypt has launched a major expansion of the Suez Canal. It was inaugurated by Egyptian President
Abdel Fattah alSisi in a lavish ceremony held at port city of Ismailiya ( located on west bank of
canal).
Suez Canal expansion project
The project was started in August 2014 for the expansion of the Ballah Bypass from 61 metres to
312 metres. The project was dubbed as the New Suez Canal.
Expansion aims to increase the traffic handled by the canal in order to boost Egypt’s economy and
global standing by turning the Suez Canal zone into a global logistics and trade center.
Completed in one year span with an estimated cost of US 8 billion dollars. It comprises 72km of
new channel and bypasses which has deepened the main waterway.
It allows ships especially larger vessels to transit the canal in both directions simultaneously, thus
increasing canal traffic and revenue.
The expansion is expected to double the ship capacity of the Suez Canal from 49 to 97 ships a
day by 2023.
About Suez Canal
Suez Canal is an artificial sealevel waterway in Egypt. It links the Mediterranean with the Red Sea
through Isthmus of Suez. It was first opened in 1869 after a decade of construction.
Strategically and economically it is one of the most important waterways in the world providing the
shortest sea link between Asia and Europe.
Its opening had provided alternative route to sea voyage between Europe and India. It had
reduced the sea voyage distance between these two regions by about 7,000 kilometres without
navigating around Africa.
The canal was nationalised by Egypt in 1956 after brief war against the UK, France and Israel.
The canal has been a significant income source for Egypt since then.
The radical militants of Sunni Islamist militant group Islamic State (IS) have seized Qaryatain, a key
town in central Syria. It was seized following heavy clashes with Syrian forces.
It is IS’s biggest advance after it had captured the historic town of Palmyra in May 2015.
The town of Qaryatain lies southwest of Palmyra and it is heavily populated town with a mixed
population of around 40,000 Sunni Muslims and Christians, as well as thousands or internally
displaced people.
Qaryatain lies midway between the cities of Palmyra, Homs and Damascus and is home to towering
Roman ruins. Its capture gives the IS group strategic link up to areas under its control around and in
Palmyra with areas in the eastern countryside of Qalamoun in Damascus province of Syria.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has extended a contract worth US $490
million with Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) to carry US astronauts to the International
Space Station (ISS).
This contract was extended after lack of Congressional funding. Under the new contract Roscosmos
will to take astronauts to the orbiting outpost in the space till 2019.
NASA has been dependent on Roscosmos for access to ISS after it had ended its space shuttle
program in July 2012. It was left no other option it lacked funding for development of private vessels
by US companies like Boeing and SpaceX over the last five years.
India and Mozambique agreed to deepen cooperation in New and Renewable Energy.
In this regard both sides inked Memorandum of understanding (MoU) on expanding cooperation in
energy sector.
It was signed after delegation level talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his
counterpart Filipe Nyusi, President of Mozambique who is on official 5 day visit to India.
Apart from this, both nations also agreed ways to intensify cooperation in maritime security and
ocean economy as both have large coastlines and are linked by Indian Ocean.
India and Mozambique Relations
India and Mozambique share a history of profitable trade relations and there bilateral trade in 2014
15 valued at US 2.4 billion dollars. In last 5 years trade between the two countries has multiplied five
times.
India’s strong relation with this south eastern African nation will play important larger role in its foreign
policy in Africa and the Indian Ocean region. Mozambique also can important role to meet India’s
energy security as it is a proximate source of natural gas, coal and other minerals.
Russia has renewed its efforts to get the United Nations (UN) recognition for 1.2 million square
kilometers of the Arctic shelf region which it claims to be its sovereign territory.
In this regard, Russia has forwarded its fresh bid to UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental
Shelf backed by scientific data.
However all other 4 countries bordering the Arctic viz. Norway, Denmark, Canada and the US have
rejected Russia’s claim.
It should be noted that earlier in 2001, UN had rejected Russia’s similar claim over the resource rich
territory on the northern tip of Earth because of insufficient evidence.
Background of Territorial dispute over Arctic
There is territorial dispute between all 5 countries bordering the Arctic over its energy rich potential
which is believed to hold up to a quarter of the world’s undiscovered oil and gas.
These 5 countries claiming their own sovereignty over this region are Denmark, Canada, Norway, US
and Russia. Since 2008 this issue is still pending and yet to be settled under the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea.
United Nations 193 member states have reached an agreement on the outcome document New
Sustainable Development Agenda for the next 15 years i.e. till 2030.
The new agenda draft document called “Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development” was built on the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The draft agreement outlines 17 nonbinding goals with 169 specific targets that comprise different
socioeconomic issues. These goals will succeed 8 MDGs which was adopted in 2000.
It has broader sustainability agenda dealing with ‘five Ps’ people, planet, prosperity, peace, and
partnership. It seeks to address the universal need for development that works for all people and root
causes of poverty.
It calls for eradicating hunger and poverty, improving living standards, ensuring quality education,
affordable and reliable energy, achieving gender equality and taking urgent action to combat climate
change etc.
This new global agenda will be formally adopted by UN member states at coming Sustainable
Development Summit to be held at the UN headquarters in New York from 25 to 27 September 2015.
Success of Millennium Development Goals: Global effort under this initiative has helped to lift
more than one billion people out of extreme poverty in past 15 years. It also has helped to reduce
gender disparity by enabling more girls to go to school than ever before. It has brought
unprecedented results in fighting diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
Pakistan was formally conferred Associate Membership status by European Organisation for Nuclear
Research (also known as CERN).
The membership was granted after Pakistan formally completed the required internal ratification
process. With this, Pakistan became the first Asian country to become member of CERN.
What it means to Pakistan?
It will open a new era of scientific cooperation between CERN and Pakistani scientific community.
Henceforth, Pakistan can attend the meetings of CERN council and also participate in the
governance of the organisation. It will also open gateway for industries from Pakistan to bid for CERN
contracts.
About CERN
European Organization for Nuclear Research (also known as CERN) is the world’s largest particle
physics laboratory.
CERN in French stands for Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire.
It has 22 member states. Israel is the first and only nonEuropean country with full membership
status.
Location: It is situated in the North West suburbs of Geneva on the FranceSwitzerland Border.
Established: It was established in 1954.
Main function: To provide the infrastructure needed for high energy physics research including
particle accelerators.
It should be noted that, India is currently having observer status in CERN programmes.
India will host second edition meeting of Forum for IndiaPacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) on
21 August 2015 in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The meeting will be attended by the heads of 14 island nations from IndoPacific oceanic region.
It is seen as India’s first step towards greater engagement with the region, which is important from
geostrategic and economic standpoint. It could also help counter the growing Chinese influence in
this oceanic region.
The FIPIC meeting will pave the way for agreements in various potential areas between India and
these nations. It will include sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, food processing, solar energy, e
networks for coordination in teleeducation and telemedicine. It will also include space cooperation
and climate change.
Earlier in November 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Fiji had proposed to hold
FIPIC summits regularly to increase ties among the participating nations.
United States country singer Lynn Anderson passed away after she suffered a heart attack in
Nashville, US. She was 67.
She was best known for her 1971 worldwide hit I Never Promised You a from Rose Garden.
Lynn Anderson was born in North Dakota and was raised in Sacramento, California. She was
daughter of two country songwriters and started her career at the age of 6. Her other US hits are
How Can I Unlove You?, You’re My Man and Top of the World.
She had won a Grammy award for Rose Garden and in 1971, she was also the Country Music
Association’s female vocalist of the year. Alongside her singing career, she had appeared in number
of television series.
India and Bangladesh physically transferred 162 enclaves/chitmahals located on IndoBangladesh.
Under the historic exchange, 51 Bangladeshi enclaves merged with India, while 111 Indian enclaves
from West Bengal, Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya merged with Bangladesh.
The transfer took place in pursuant to the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) and its Protocol of
2011 between both neighbouring countries. The exchange comes after the instruments for accession
were ratified by both countries during the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh in June
2015.
This exchange gave citizenship identity to over 52,000 people of either country, thus giving them
access to all legal rights and civic amenities. Earlier people in these enclaves were living a stateless
existence for 68 years.
Earlier under the LBA, a joint nationality preference survey was conducted in order to give the choice
of nationality to the residents. Data from the survey is now being verified by the Office of the
Registrar General of India (ORGI) and Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) to facilitate the trouble
free moving of residents before the stipulated deadline of 30th November 2015.
Cyclone Komen made landfall in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh. The cyclone has caused heavy rains
that inundated vast areas of the coastal towns of Bangladesh, West Bengal and Odisha.
Land affected areas due Cyclone Komen include eastern countries north in Bay of Bengal. They are
Bangladesh, Myanmar, East India and Northeast India.
Under the influence of cyclone, several coastal districts of lowlying areas and their offshore islands
are likely to be inundated with high tides.
It was formed due to generation of depression over the Northern Bay of Bengal, which later turned
into a cyclonic storm. It is had attained the wind speed of from 65 to 75 kmph.
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that this cyclone will bring very heavy rainfall
along with it in the Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha of India. After making landfall in Bangladesh it
will further move westnorthwestwards and weaken gradually.
India is going to become the most populous nation in the world by surpassing China in 2022.
It was revealed in recently released United Nation’s report titled ‘World Population Prospects: The
2015 Revision’ indicating India’s population growth within next seven years.
Key highlights from report
India will become most populous nation, six years earlier than it was previously forecasted and will
retain the top spot till year 2100.
At present, China which is world’s populous country with approximately 1.38 billion population
while, India has 1.31 billion.
India’s population around and after 2022, is projected to grow for several decades. It will be
around to 1.5 billion in 2030 and 1.7 billion in 2050.
Life expectancy: In case of India life expectancy at birth will also improve over the next decades.
It will grow from 71.7 years in 20252030 to 75.9 years in 20452050. It will be around 84.6 years
in 20952100.
China’s population: It is expected to remain fairly constant till 2030s, after which it is expected to
decrease slightly.
World Population forecast: Half of the world’s population growth is expected to be concentrated
in 9 countries during 20152050. They are India, Pakistan, US, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Congo,
Indonesia and Uganda.
It should be noted that, as per earlier population forecast issued in 2013, India was expected to
surpass China’s population by 2028.
Pakistan received 336 million dollars fund from the United States for its ongoing role in combating a
Taliban insurgency in its neighbouring country Afghanistan.
The fund is provided by US under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) programme which was started in
2001 after Pakistan became frontline ally of USled coalition in Afghanistan.
This financial injection to Pakistan comes after Taliban militants had step up its annual summer
offensive which was launched in late April, 2015.
Since the CSF programme began, Pakistan has received a total of 13 billion dollars in payments. In
exchange for these reimbursements, Pakistan provides US and its allies to use its air bases and
other facilities.
It should be noted that, the current CSF aid of 336 million dollars is the first tranche of total 1.5 billion
dollars for the current fiscal year ending June 2016. It also first tranche since, USled NATO forces
ended their combat mission in Afghanistan in December 2015.
The injection of fresh cash has helped Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves reach all time high to 19
billion dollars.
Union Government has announced to roll out etourist visa facility to Chinese nationals from July 30,
2015. Hong Kong and Macao nationals will also be provided with etourist visa facility along with
Chinese citizens.
This decision was taken in lines with promised made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard
during his visit to China in May 2015. It should be noted that PM Modi had made this announcement
notwithstanding frequent issuance of stapled visa by Chinese to Indian citizens from Arunachal
Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
About etourist visa facility
Union Government had launched this scheme as ‘tourist visa on arrival (VoA)’ in November 2014
for more than 40 countries and was extended to 36 more countries in April 2015.
It is preauthorization of Visa i.e. electronic travel authorisation given to foreigners prior to travel.
Under this scheme, an applicant receives an email authorising him/her to travel to India after it is
approved. On arrival, the visitor has to present the authorisation to the immigration authorities who
will in turn allow them to enter into the country.
The nomenclature of scheme was changed to present etourist visa facility in April 2015, in order
to remove ambiguities faced by foreign tourists especially by scheme’s previous nomenclature
VoA.
Government of Sri Lanka inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with search engine giant
Google to launch the Google Loon project in the country.
As per the MoU, Google will place 13 highaltitude balloons over the island nation to provide
affordable highspeed 3G (3rd Generation) internet services to the entire country. It is also expected
that this project will provide free WiFi connectivity across Sri Lanka.
Successful implementation of this project will make Sri Lanka the first country in the world to have
Internet access covering the whole country with the government support.
Google Loon project: It is Google’s ambitious research and development project with the mission
of providing Internet access to rural and remote areas.
Under this project, Google will install high altitude ‘floating telecom tower’ balloons in the sky which
will provide full broadband internet coverage.
These balloons have transceivers which can connect to cell phone networks filling gaps in their
networks especially in remote areas such as mountains and deserts.
South Korea has declared the deadly outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
outbreak in the country has over.
It was announced by South Korean Prime Minister Hwang KyoAhn.
Severity of outbreak: It was the worst medical outbreak faced by South Korea originated from the
alien virus from Saudi Arabia. It had killed 36 people and infected around 186.
The MERS outbreak was the biggest outbreak of the deadly virus outside Saudi Arabia. It had taken
a toll on South Korean economy which is Asia’s fourth largest economy by stifling consumer
spending.
Facts about Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
MERS belongs to the family of coronaviruses which includes large family of viruses such as
common cold and Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
It was discovered in 2012 and was mostly centred in Saudi Arabia.
Source: MERS is a betacoronavirus derived from bats. Camels have shown to have antibodies to
MERS, but the exact source of infection in camels has not been identified.
Transmission: It can be transmitted from infected person to others after close contact via a
respiratory route.
It spread’s in droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms: fever, breathing problems, pneumonia and kidney failure.
Treatment: Till date there is no vaccine available to prevent it. However, intensive medical care
can help patient to breath.
Veteran Sri Lankan historian Santasilan Kadirgamar passed away in Colombo after a brief illness. He
was 81.
He was born in April 1934 in Chavakachcheri of Sri Lanka’s Jaffna province. He had pursued higher
studies in history at the University of Peradeniya and International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo,
Japan.
He was among the instrumental in the formation of Movement for InterRacial Justice and Equality
(MIRJE) in Jaffna and Jaffna Citizens’ Committee in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In 1983, on the Japan Foundation Fellowship he started lecturing at several universities in Tokyo
Yokohama region of Japan and continued till 2000.
He had authored of several publications and some of his famous work includes the history and
impact of the shortlived Jaffna Youth Congress in 1980. His other works included The Left Tradition
in Lankan Tamil Politics and The Tamils of Lanka: Their Struggle for Justice and Equality with Dignit.
Santasilan Kadirgamar’s cousin Lakshman Kadirgamar was former Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs
Minister who was assassinated in August 2005.
World Hepatitis Day is being observed every year on July 28 around the globe.
Focus of the day: To spread awareness about viral hepatitis, that causes acute and chronic disease
and kills around 1.4 million people every year. It also seeks to encourage diagnosis, prevention and
treatment of Hepatitis.
2015 Theme Prevent Hepatitis: It’s up to You.
About World Hepatitis Day
It is being observed since 2010 and is one of the 8 official global public health campaigns marked
by the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO in May 2010 had passed resolution for observance of this day on viral hepatitis which
provides official endorsement. Prior to this, World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) had launched
campaign in concern of chronic viral hepatitis in 2008.
28 July was chosen to mark the birthday of Professor Baruch Blumberg. He had discovered
hepatitis B virus and was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1976) for this
discovery.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis name has derived from Greek word ‘Hepar’ meaning liver and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation.
Thus, it is a medical condition in which there occurs inflammation of liver cells and its complications
vary with the type of infection.
What are different types of Hepatitis?
There are 5 types of hepatitis viz. A, B, C, D and E. Each type is caused by a different hepatitis virus.
What causes Hepatitis?
It is mostly caused by a group of viruses called hepatitis viruses and also be caused by intoxicants
like drugs, alcohol, chemicals and other infections and autoimmune diseases.
Jorge Sampaio and Helena Ndume have been awarded with the inaugural Nelson Rolihlahla
Mandela Prize.
The award was bestowed upon them as part of the annual commemoration of Nelson Mandela
International Day (observed every year on 18 July).
Jorge Sampaio: He was conferred with this award for his contribution and struggle for the
restoration of democracy in Portugal.
He is the former president of Portugal and was in office for one decade from 1996 to 2006. He also
had served as the mayor of Lisbon from 1989 to 1995.
Helena Ndume: She is a female ophthalmologist from Namibia. She was bestowed with this award
for her contribution in treating eyerelated illnesses and blindness of people in Namibia and
throughout the developing world.
About Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize
Established in June 2014 by the UN General Assembly (UNGA). It was established to pay homage
to former South African President Nelson Mandela for his extraordinary life and legacy of
reconciliation, social transformation and political transition.
Bestowed upon persons in recognition of their achievements especially who have dedicated their
life for the service of humanity and in the promotion of community development and social
cohesion.
European Union (EU) has banned the marketing of around 700 generic medicines among its member
countries.
This is the largest suspension imposed on the sales and distribution of generic drugs ordered by EU
which will come into effect on August 21, 2015 and it will be applicable to all 28 member nations.
These generic medicines were banned after it was found that the clinical trials conducted by
Hyderabadbased pharmaceutical research company GVK Biosciences were manipulated.
European commission had taken decision in this regard in response to a recommendation given by
the EU’s nodal drug regulator European Medicines Agency (EMA) in January 2015. In its
recommendations EMA had mentioned that the marketing authorisations of these drugs were based
on clinical trial data which was allegedly manipulated by the Indian company.
With this ban, medicines 700 generic medicines will lose their validity for use in the EU from and no
longer they will be distributed or sold by pharmaceutical companies, drugs stores wholesale dealers
and other outlets.
China launched two new navigational satellites into space as part of its domestic navigation system
BeiDou (meaning Compass).
The 18th and 19th satellites (of total constellation of 35 satellites) were successfully launched from
the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan province.
About BeiDou Satellite Navigation System
BeiDou is 2nd generation of the Chinese navigational system seen as rival to the US’s Global
Positioning System (GPS).
Comprises constellation of total 35 satellites in two separate satellite constellations viz. limited test
system (operational since 2000) and a fullscale global navigation system which is currently under
construction.
Became operational in China in December 2011, with the constellation of 10 satellites. In
December 2012, it began offering services to customers in the AsiaPacific region and on its
completion in 2020, it will provide services to global customers.
Applications: Currently it used for civilian services in field of navigation, messaging,
transportation and weather forecasting sectors. It also has military applications.
China has successfully tested the power system of Long March5, a fifth generation of carrier rocket
belonging to China’s Long March family of rockets.
This announcement was after Long March5 rocket carrier, entered a runoff phase.
Facts about Long March 5th Generation
Long March5 has the carrying capacity twice of the payload compared to other present carriers of
China.
It has payload capacity of 14 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit and 25 tonnes to low Earth
orbits.
It will serve the final chapter in building China’s manned space stations and 3 step current
program of orbiting, landing and returning lunar.
Long March5 is scheduled for flight in 2016 and its capacity will be equivalent to that of mainstream
carrier rockets presently used around the world.
About Long March rocket family
It should be noted that since 1970s, the Long March rocket family of China has completed more than
200 missions. China’s first satellite, Dong Fang Hong (the East is Red)1 was successfully put into
Earth orbit by Long March1 on 24 April 1970 (after one failed attempt in November 1969).
World Trade Organisation (WTO) members reached a landmark Information Technology (IT) trade
deal in order to add more than 200 products to the list dealing with zerotariff and dutyfree trade.
In this agreement, products covered will include newgeneration semiconductors, medical products
which include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, GPS navigation systems, machine tools
for manufacturing printed circuits, touch screens and telecommunications satellites.
Facts about agreement
Covers more than 200 IT products worth US 1.3 trillion dollars in annual global trade which is
larger than combined global trade automotive products, textiles, clothing, iron and steel.
Contains a commitment to tackle nontariff barriers in the IT sector and keep the list of products
covered under review for further expansion to reflect future developments.
The majority of tariffs will be eliminated on these IT products within next 3 years, starting from
2016.
By the end of October 2015, each of the participating members will submit to the other participants
a draft schedule which deals with terms of the agreement to be met.
Background
This agreement dealing with zerotariff and dutyfree trade in IT sector is an expansion of the
Information Technology Agreement (ITA), 1996 which involves 81 members.
In 2012, members had urged that there is need to cover IT products which are not the part of existing
agreement. Negotiations in this regard began in 2012 to expand the coverage of the accord.
Tunisia’s Parliament has adopted a new antiterror law, which seeks to counter the threat posed by
militants especially jihadist threat.
The law was adopted overwhelmingly by 174 members of parliament with ten abstentions and no
votes against the bill.
Under the new antiterror law,
Those convicted of terrorism in Tunisia will face the death penalty
Those in support of terrorism will be dealt with strict punishment including jailable offence.
Give government authorities powers to tap suspects’ phones for investigational purpose to avert
threats and terrorist attacks.
Allows government authorities to detain suspects for 15 days without access to a lawyer or
appearance before a judge.
Tunisia’s this move comes after a gunman of jihadist terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) had
killed 38 people in June 2015 at a tourist beach in Sousse and after the March attack at the Bardo
museum in located at Tunis (Tunisia’s Capital) which killed 21 tourists mostly Britishers.
United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) has named Conakry, the
Capital city of the Republic of Guinea as the World Book Capital for year 2017.
With this selection Conakry become the 17th city in the World to be designated as World Book
Capital. At present, Incheon city of South Korea is World Book Capital for year 2015.
About World Book Capital
It is a designation bestowed by UNESCO to a particular city every year since 2001.
Seeks to promote books and reading and the dedication of all players in the book industry.
The designation runs for 1 year starting from UNESCO’s World Book and Copyright Day (April 23)
till April 22 of the following year.
Madrid, capital of Spain in 2001 was the first city to be recognised as World Book Capital.
In case of India, New Delhi was recognised as World Book Capital in 2003.
Wrocław city of Poland has been chosen as World Book Capital for year 2016.
Noted Canadian author Naomi Klein has won the 36th edition of American Book Award 2015.
She has won this award for her environmental work This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the
Climate published in 2014. Apart from her, 14 others also have won the award. Some of them are
Marlon James (A Brief History of Seven Killings), Carlos Santana (The Universal Tone) etc.
Poet Anne Waldman was honoured with lifetime achievement award in this edition of prize.
American Book Award
Established in 1978.
Administered: by a nonprofit educational and service organisation Before Columbus Foundation,
founded in 1976 by authorplaywright Ishmael.
It honours persons for their excellence in American literature without restriction to sex, race, ethnic
background or genre.
The awards do not have any individual categories and since 2000, Lifetime Achievement award is
also given.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted a resolution for endorsing the
historic deal on Iran’s nuclear program.
It was supported by all 15 representatives of countries on the Security Council and opened path to lift
nuclearrelated economic sanctions on Iran. It also paved the way for establishing a monitoring
system for Iran’s nuclear programme.
UNSC’s passed resolution marks the endorsement of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPOA) which had find out the final historic diplomatic solution for Iranian nuclear issue in Vienna,
Austria on 14 July 2015. Iran has reaffirmed that under no circumstances it will ever seek, develop or
acquire any nuclear weapons in future.
It should be noted that JCPOA was culmination of diplomatic efforts of socalled E3+3 or P 5+ 1
nations which included China, Russia, United Kingdom, France, Germany and United States on side
and Iran on the other side.
Summary Background
There was a decade long deadlock between Iran and Western countries over the issue of Iran’s
Nuclear Programme and safety concerns of uranium enrichment.
Western Countries especially US, had alleged that Iran’s Nuclear Programme may be used by them
to produce enriched uranium to develop nuclear warheads.
However Iran had refused the allegations of western countries and clearly mentioned that it is their
sovereign right to continue its nuclear programme for their energy demand. It is completely peaceful
and not for defence purpose.
World’s sixth biggest greenhouse gas polluter, Japan has pledged to cut emissions 26 per cent from
2013 levels by 2030 in a bid to fight calamitous global warming.
In this regard, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe led government submitted its target to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Japan’s announcement comes ahead of Climate change conference to be held in December 2015 in
Paris which is aiming for international efforts to create a new frame work for addressing climate
change. With this Japan became the 19th UNFCCC member party to submit a carboncutting pledge
to the United Nations.
Other countries announcements
Unite States: Earlier in 2014, US had committed to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to
28 per cent cut by 2025 from 2005 levels.
European Union (EU): It also had set a target to reduce emission of 35 per cent below 2005 levels
by 2030.
China: World’s largest emitter officially has not announced its target to reduce the greenhouse gases
emissions yet, but had set a target for the country’s emissions to peak by 2030 in a joint climate
announcement with US in November, 2014.
The official nationality preference survey in recently swapped 162 enclaves on India Bangladesh
border under the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) has ended.
The survey was conducted by the Enclaves Exchange Coordination Committee (EECC) of both
countries for ascertaining the nationality preference of over 50,000 enclaveresidents.
On Bangladesh’s side it is found that 1,027 out of around 37,369 had opted for Indian nationality from
the recently swapped 111 Indian enclaves now located in Bangladesh.
In case of India’s side, over 14,000 residents in 51 Bangladeshi enclaves transferred to India have
opted to relocate to Bangladesh.
Background
The nationality preference survey was conducted by 75 jointteams of EECC under the modalities of
the LAB. The agreement came in to effect after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh in
June 2015.
India had swapped around 111 enclaves to Bangladesh, while the counterpart had had swapped 51
enclaves. As per LBA, all 162 enclaves will stand transferred to the two respective countries on
midnight of 31 July, 2015.
India and Russia have signed a customs and liberalize business visas agreement to boost trade
between both countries to remove the hindrances and boost commerce.
This pact will help to rapid clearances of imported goods at the land and sea ports and addresses the
issues related to the nontariff barriers. Both countries also have fixed a target of US 30 billion dollars
to be achieved by 2025.
This agreement will play important role proposed International NorthSouth freight corridor (INSTC)
for trade from India to Russia to central Asia through Iran.
Presently, bilateral trade between both nations is extremely low and it was just 9.51 billion dollars. In
Ufa, Russia prior to BRICS ministerial meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Russian
counterpart President Vladimir Putin had discussed ways to increase bilateral trade.
Both countries also had reached an agreement on setting up a Joint Study Group which will
recommend contours of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Eurasian Economic Union
(EEU) comprising Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia.
Shiv Pande, an Indian origin doctor has been award with honorary fellowship by prestigious
University of Central Lancashire of United Kingdom.
He was award with this fellowship in recognition of his contribution to the community as a general
practitioner and medical educator.
Pande was born and educated in India and had obtained his MBBS and Ms (General Surgery)
degrees. Later in 1971 he had move to the UK in 1971.
Till 1974, he had worked in cardiothoracic surgery at London Chest Hospital, Fazakerley Hospital
and Broad Green Hospital, Liverpool.
Earlier, he was honoured with the award at Preston Guildhall by The University of Central Lancashire
(UCLan) for his contribution to medical services.
In 1989 for his community work Pande was presented with a Member of the Order of the British
Empire (MBE) by the Queen Elizabeth II.
India and Myanmar have announced plans to strengthen their defence cooperation during a joint
consultative commission (JCC) meeting held in New Delhi.
JCC meeting was chaired by Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Myanmar’s Foreign
Minister Wunna Maung Lwin.
The meeting had released joint statement on various aspects. They are
Both countries to work together on effective border management especially on the issue of cross
border insurgency and terrorism.
India has reaffirmed to provide defence assistance program as part of its Goodwill Diplomacy to
Myanmar in order to modernise their Armed Forces.
Sharing of experiences: India to share its experience in dealing with emerging security
challenges, military to military cooperation including in training.
It also includes sharing experience in functioning in a democratic environment and cooperation in
the field of Information Technology.
Border issue: To hold first meeting of IndiaMyanmar Joint Boundary Working Group in New Delhi
to address all outstanding boundary issues.
Trade and business: Investments of Indian companies in sectors like power, ports, agro
industries, mining, forest products, construction industry, highways, consumer goods, oil and gas,
manufacturing, plantation, hospitality and ICT will be encouraged.
It should be noted that Myanmar plays an important part in India’s decadesold Look East’ Policy
(current Union government changed it as an Act East policy). Recently, defence cooperation between
both neighbours has grown after changes in political reforms of Myanmar under President Thein
Sein, which has made them less reliant on China.
European Union (EU) has approved a shortterm loan of 7.16 billion euros to Greece after it was
backed by the 28 member states.
This loan will allow Greece to pay its debt to European Central Bank (ECB) and the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) till new bailout plan is ratified.
The loan will be given through the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSM) which is a
rescue fund set up during the first time bailout of Greece in 2010. But presently it covers the whole of
the 28 EU member nations and not just the 19 eurozone members.
This loan fund will be officially for three months, but looking at present debt crisis of Greece it can be
sustained until 20 August 2015.
The International NorthSouth Transport Corridor (INSTC) is considered as gateway for India to
expand trade and investment links with Central Asia and Eurasia.
Its importance was highlighted in India’s Foreign Trade Policy of India 201520.
However, recently it gained importance in light of the evolving geopolitical developments of India after
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to 5 Central Asian Countries viz Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan,
Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
International NorthSouth Transport Corridor (INSTC)
It is a multimodal trade transport network that includes strategic rail, road, and water transport
connecting India with Central Asian and Eurasia Countries.
Route: It will connect Mumbai (India) via Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports of Iran with Baku
(Azerbaijan) to Moscow (Russia) and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe via the
Caspian Sea.
Economic Integration: It will help in facilitating India’s economic integration with Eurasian
economies and other countries in surrounding regions.
If India partners with Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), it will further boost and expand its
economic, trade and investment opportunities in more countries in this region.
Shorter transport route: It will be a shorter route to transport goods to Eurasian and Central
Asian regions compared to present route via Suez Canal and western European countries. Thus,
reduce the cost of transporting goods from India to Eurasia.
Natural resources access: It will help India to tap the abundant natural resources potential of
Central Asian countries for its energy security. These countries are having rich deposits of
petroleum, natural gas and uranium along with deposits of fertilizer inputs such as potash.
Exports: Many sectors in this region are becoming increasingly serviceoriented which can benefit
India to export expertise in information technology and ITenabled services.
Implications
For India, the INSTC will be strategically important trade corridor of tremendous promise that could
help to develop its economic and strategic importance in Eurasia and Central Asia. It could also give
India economic and strategic relevance to tackle regional ambitions of China through its One Belt,
One Road Initiative.
Map Source: CIA
As per recently published study in the journal Nature Communications, Volcanic eruptions by injecting
particulates into the atmosphere may have slowed down global warming.
The study was based upon research of a team of international researchers including Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology (KIT) scientists.
Key facts from study
During the last 10 years volcanic aerosols have acted as a natural umbrella to slow down global
warming from release of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs).
The global concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere has continuously increased over the past
decade but due to volcanic aerosols the mean global surface temperature has not increased
indicating negative climate forcing effect.
In the years 20082011, volcanic aerosol particles have reflected the incoming solar radiation
twice in the lowest part of the stratosphere than previously thought.
However, the frequent volcanic eruptions and the subsequent cooling effect is only temporary
phenomenon. Thus, the temperature rise will speed up again.
The study had used the data from the tropopause region located up to 35 km altitude in the
atmosphere.
Tropopause: It is region of transition layer between the wet weather layer with clouds (troposphere)
at lower level and the dry and cloudfree layer (stratosphere) above it.
In the Tropapause temperature is constant whereas in troposphere it decreases with increase in
altitude and in stratosphere it increases with altitude.
India and Tajikistan have inked 2 pacts to strengthen bilateral relations
They were signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to Tajikistan. It was his last leg of
strategic tour to 5 Central Asian countries (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and
Tajikistan) and Russia.
Signed pacts are
Programme of Cooperation (POC) in the field of Culture: It was signed between Ministries of
Culture of India and Tajikistan for the years 201618. It envisages cooperation in the field of
culture between both nations through exchange of expertise for protection, preservation and
promotion of cultural heritage. It also seeks to exchange of information and experts and
organization of cultural days for greater cultural understanding between the countries.
Exchange of Note Verbale (NV) on setting up of Computer Labs: It conveys the intention of
India to set up computer labs in 37 schools in Tajikistan. With this initiative India’s seeks to support
Tajikistan in human resource and skill development efforts.
Besides signing these pacts, both leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart
Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan agreed to promote the International North South transport
corridor (INSTC). Both nations also pledged to further deepen their cooperation to fight the menace
of radical terrorism and agreed to step up defence ties besides boosting trade and investment.
India and Georgia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field
of election management and administration.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Nasim Zaidi, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India and Ms. Tamar
Zhvania, Chairperson, Central Election Commission of Georgia in New Delhi.
The major aims of MoU are:
To promote exchanges of experience and knowledge in electoral processes.
Exchange of materials, expertise, information and training of personnel for electoral purpose.
Distribution and production of materials in the field of electoral systems, voting technology, voters’
education and awareness.
To promote participation of women and minorities in electoral process.
So far the Election Commission of India (ECI) has signed around 20 MoUs with different international
election management bodies and organizations across the world. Some of the international signed
MoUs are with the Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, Venezuela, Yemen, Mauritius, South Korea etc.
China has set up the world’s largest cancer registry system in a bid to fight the cancer diseases with
moretargeted and evidencebased intervention programmes.
The cancer registry system is a systematic collection of data about cancer and tumor diseases of
Chinese people. The registry records complete summary of cancer patient history including
diagnosis, treatment and status of every cancer patient. However the registry excludes the medical
costs.
This registry system seeks to cover over 300 million people of China and expand to include 40 per
cent of the nation’s population of 1.36 billion by 2020.
In China, at least 3 million people develop cancer each year and it claims 2.2 million lives in China
and costs at least US 16 billion dollars each year.
India and Kyrgyzstan have signed 4 pacts/ agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation between the
two nations.
These agreements were inked during the twoday visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kyrgystan
as part of his official visit to 5 Central Asian countries and Russia.
Signed agreements are
Agreement on Defence Cooperation: It was signed to deepen cooperation between both
countries in matters relating to security, defence, military education and training.
It also covers provisions to conduct of joint military exercises, exchange of military instructors,
exchange of experience and information and observers etc.
MoU and Cooperation in the field of Elections: It was signed to deepen cooperation in matters
relating to legislation on elections and referendums. It also covered rights of elections process
stakeholders, modern systems and technologies as well as other issues of election administration.
MoU on cooperation in the sphere of Standards: Seeks to strengthen and enhance technical
cooperation in the fields of conformity assessment, standardization and sharing of expertise on
mutual trade.
It also aims at exchanging necessary information and expertise in this regard between the two
parties. Signatory parties are Ministry of Economy of Kyrgyzstan and Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS).
Agreement on Cooperation in Culture: To deepen cultural cooperation between both countries
in areas such as preservation of cultural heritage, theatre, youth festivals and organisation of folk
arts.
It also seeks to boost cooperation in of publishing and translation of literature, culture, sports and
physical exchange of archival materials, geography, history etc.
Besides signing these agreements, both nations also released Indo Kyrgyz Joint Statements to
increase regional cooperation and connectivity in the various fields including Political cooperation,
regional and global level cooperation, Defence cooperation, Economic cooperation, Scientific and
Technical Cooperation, Cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
India and Turkmenistan have signed 7 pacts/ agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation between
the two nations.
These agreements were inked during the twoday visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to
Turkmenistan as part of his official visit to 5 Central Asian countries and Russia.
The signed agreements are
MoU on Supply of Chemical Products: It was signed between the India’s ‘Rashtriya Chemicals
and Fertilizers Limited’ and the Turkmenistan’s Turkmenhimiya’.
MoU Foreign Service Institutes of both nations: It was signed between Foreign Service
Institute of the Ministry of External Affairs of India and Institute of International Relations of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Sports: It was signed between Union Ministry of
Youth Affairs And Sports of India and State Committee for Sport of Turkmenistan.
Programme of Cooperation In Science And Technology: It was signed between both
governments for the period of two years viz. 20152017.
MoU on Cooperation in Yoga and Traditional Medicine: It was signed between respective
entities of both governments.
MoU on Cooperation in the Field Of Tourism: It was signed between respective entities of both
governments.
Agreement in the field of Defence: It was signed between respective entities of both
governments.
Besides signing these agreements, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart President of
Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held extensive discussions on bilateral relations and
issues of mutual interest at regional and international level.
Both leaders also released an IndoTurkmen Joint Statements to increase regional cooperation and
connectivity.
United States has approved major NonNATO Ally (MNNA) status to Tunisia.
Decision in this regard was taken by US State Department. With this Tunisia became the 16th country
to become a MNNA of US.
Background
In May 2015, US President Barack Obama had declared Tunisia as its nonNATO ally while hosting
his Tunisian counterpart Beji Caid Essebsi at the White House. This decision was taken by US to
support for Tunisia’s decision to join the world’s democracies.
US is hoping to strengthen democracy in Tunisia especially after Beji Caid Essebsi became the first
democratically elected President in 60year history of Tunisia.
Comment
By granting the MNNA status, both countries will enhance military cooperation between them. The
strong relations between both democracies will help to maintain peace and security in Tunisia as it
was the birthplace of Arab Spring (Jasmine revolution) revolts across the Middle East in 2011. It will
also help Tunisia to counter the rising threat of jihadist groups especially ISIS in the region.
India has been accorded full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) along
with Pakistan at its Ufa summit held in Russia.
Technically, India and Pakistan will become the members of SCO by 2016 after completion of certain
procedures.
This membership will help India to work with the 6 members grouping to enhance connectivity,
combat terror and create an environment for boosting trade by easing barriers.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
SCO is a Eurasian economic, political and military organisation.
Headquarters: Beijing, China
Established: 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders 6 countries viz. China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan,
Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
It is an outcome of The Shanghai Five grouping established in 1996 by Kazakhstan, China,
Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan.
SCO’s first enlargement was in 2001 with addition of Uzbekistan and second enlargement was in
July 2015 with addition of 2 new members India and Pakistan.
Presently it as four observers Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and
Since 2005, India was having an Observer status of SCO and had applied for full membership in
2014.
AnalysisSCO membership to India will have significant benefits in
Economic view: Open up trade, energy sector and strategic transit routes for India between
Russia, Central Asia and China.
As Iran has observer status in the SCO, it will serve as a platform for India to boost trade through
the Iranian ports of Bandar Abbas and Chabahar.
These ports are considered as India’s gateway to Central Asia through International NorthSouth
Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Security grouping: SCO will provide platform for the security grouping for India and Pakistan
especially on issue to counter terrorism.
Provide a valuable interface to engage with security concern of Afghanistan especially its
members including India due to pullout international troops.
SCO may also serve as guarantor for projects such as the TurkmenistanAfghanistanPakistan
India (TAPI) and IranPakistanIndia (IPI) pipelines, which are held by India due to security
concerns.
Balance in International Politics: In this politically polarised world, SCO will play an important
role in counterbalancing India’s perceived tilt on security issues towards US and its allies. Thus, it
can help to maintain full balance of India’s relations with the great powers globally.
ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C28 on 10 July 2015 successfully put five satellites of
United Kingdom into designated orbits.
They were successfully put designated into orbit after its lift off from first launch pad of Satish
Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikotta, Andhra Pradesh.
For this mission, ISRO had used highend XL version of PSLV as it was its biggest and heaviest
commercial launch with overall liftoff mass of all 5 satellites was 1,440 kg .
Five satellites are:
Constellation of 3 identical DMC3 Satellites: Three satellites comprised of DMC31, DMC32
and DMC33, all weighing around 447kg. They are designed for simultaneous high temporal and
high spatial resolution optical Earth observation.
Application: Surveying the resources on earth, urban infrastructure management and monitoring
of disasters.
CBNT1: It is an optical Earth Observation technology demonstration micro satellite, weighing
around 91 kg. .
DeOrbitSail: It is an experimental nano satellite. It will be used for the demonstration of large thin
membrane sail and drag deorbiting using this sail.
All of the five satellites belonged to UK’s Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). They were launched
as part commercial launch arrangement between SSTL and ANTRIX, the commercial arm of ISRO.
PSLV C28 XL
For this mission fourstage PSLVC28 was used as launch vechile, which is highend ‘XL’ version
of PSLV.
It comprised of new designs consisting of circular launcher adaptor i.e. Ladaptor and a triangular
deck called Multiple Satellite AdapterVersion 2 (MSAV2).
It was specially designed by ISRO to overcome the tough task of mounting the three DMC3
satellites in launch vehicle as each was having height of about 3m.
It was PSLV’s overall 30th flight and 29th consecutive successful launch and 9th flight of PSLV in ‘XL’
configuration.
Note: With this, India has successfully launched 45 satellites of 18 different foreign countries
successfully in space since 1999. These countries are Germany, South Korea, Indonesia, Belgium,
Italy, Israel, Argentina, Canada, Japan, Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Algeria,
Singapore, Luxembourg, France and Austria.
It was ISRO’s second launch in year 2015, the previous launch was of navigation satellite, IRNSS1D
in March, 2015.
The powerful Typhoon Linfa has hit the southern China after it made landfall on southern province of
Guangdong.
Typhoon Linfa has hit the southern province by bringing winds of up to 126 km/hr along with heavy
rain. However after it had made landfall, the typhoon has lost strength rapidly after it passed near
Hong Kong due to weakened low pressure area.
Typhoon Linfa is the first of two large storms ChanHom and Nangka which are going to hit China.
The third storm, Nangka is the most powerful among them and has reached supertyphoon strength
with winds of 250 km/hr. But it has strong presence far out in the Pacific Ocean and not expected to
hit any land with high strength.
To know more about Tropical Cyclones Click here
Prince Saud alFaisal, former foreign minister of Saudi Arabia passed away in United States. He was
75.
He was the Saudi kingdom’s foreign minister for 4 decades (from 1975 to 2015). He had retired in
April 2015 and was succeeded by Adel alJubeir.
He had served under four Saudi kings and had advanced the kingdom’s foreign policy, especially
after the 9/11 attacks in US. It should be noted that he was world’s longestserving foreign minister.
His tenure as foreign minister has seen various extreme events in MiddleEast such as
Invasion of Lebanon by Israel (1978, 1982 and 2006).
Eruption of Palestinian intifadas (1987 and 2000).
Invasion of Iran by Iraq (1980).
Invasion of Kuwait by Iraq (1990).
Occupation of Iraq by a USled coalition (2003).
Saud alFaisal was son of King Faisal and was born on 2 January 1940 in Taif near Mecca. In the
1960s, he started his career as consultant for Petroleum Ministry of Saudi Kingdom.
Legendary Egyptian actor Omar Sharif passed away due to a heart attack in Cairo. He was 83.
He was best known for his roles in classic films Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Doctor Zhivago
(1965). These movies had soared him international stardom.
About Omar Sharif
Omar Sharif was born as Michel Shalhoub on 10 April 1932 in Alexandria, Egypt to a to a Melkite
Greek Catholic family.
He had studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
He made his screen debut in the 1954 for an Egyptian film named Siraa FilWadi (The Blazing
Sun). Since then he had appeared in more than 70 films and multiple television series.
In 1962, he appeared in Lawrence of Arabia as Sherif Ali which was directed by David Lean. It was
his overtime famous role which gave him international stardom.
Personal Life: In 1955, he converted to Islam and changed his name to Omar alSharif. The
same year he married acclaimed Egyptian actress Faten Hamama. The couple divorced in 1974.
In 2015, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Awards: He had won three Golden Globe Awards (1962, 1963, 1965), César Award (French
equivalent of the Oscar) in 2004 and was nominated for an Academy Award.
UNESCO’s Sergei Eisenstein Medal (2005) for his significant contributions to world film and
cultural diversity.
39th session World Heritage Committee (WHC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization, (UNESCO) has inscribed 24 new sites into the World Heritage List.
Decision in this regard was taken at WHC’s annual meeting held in Bonn, Germany. In this meeting
total 36 sites were examined and 24 sites were granted world heritage status. With this the total
number of world heritage sites has increased to 1,031.
24 new sites are
Blue and John Crow Mountains (Jamaica).
Tusi sites (China),
Christiansfeld, a Moravian Church Settlement (Denmark).
Par Force Hunting Landscape in North Zealand (Denmark).
Climats, terroirs of Burgundy (France).
Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars (France).
Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus (Germany).
Susa (Iran).
Cultural Landscape of Maymand (Iran).
Necropolis of Beth She’arim—a Landmark of Jewish Revival (Israel).
ArabNorman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale (Italy)
Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining (Japan).
Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (AlMaghtas) (Jordan).
Baekje Historic Areas (South Korea)
Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System (Mexico)
Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain and its surrounding sacred landscape (Mongolia)
RjukanNotodden Industrial Heritage Site (Norway)
Rock Art in the Hail Region (Saudi Arabia).
Singapore Botanical Gardens (Singapore).
Ephesus (Turkey).
Diyarbakir Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape (Turkey).
Fray Bentos CulturalIndustrial Landscape (Uruguay).
The Forth Bridge (United Kingdom).
San Antonio Missions (United States).
China has nominated its former finance Minister Jin Liqun as the Presidential candidate for $100
billion Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Presently, Jin is Secretary General of AIIB’s interim secretariat. Prior to this he was chairman of China
International Capital Corporation (CICC), one of the mainland’s largest investment banks.
He also had held various positions at the World Bank. He was the first Chinese national to serve as a
Vice President of Asian Development Bank (ADB) which is controlled by Japan.
Jin headed programmes for South, Central and West Asia and private sector operations during his 5
yearlong tenure at ADB.
President of AIIB
The President of AIIB will be national of a regional member.
Election process: He will be elected an open, transparent and meritbased process by the Board
of Governors of Bank with 75 per cent majority.
This procedure has been mentioned in the Articles of AIIB Agreement which signed by 50
countries in June 2015.
Term: Five years and can be reelected once.
Comment
Jin Liqun will be elected as AIIB President as China has 26.06 per cent share of the votes (especially
veto) in the bank which is seen as a rival to the U.S. and Europedominated banking institutions. The
post of vicepresident by virtue may be given to India as it second largest shareholder in the bank.
For more information on AIIB: Click here
Professor Lord Kamlesh Patel has become the first British Asian to be appointed as Director of
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
He succeeds Lord Morris of Handsworth, who had stepped down after 11 years as an ECB Director.
Lord Patel was born to Indian parents in Nairobi, Kenya. He later had moved to United Kingdom. He
hails from Bradford and is a leading voice on health, social care and community cohesion in UK.
Presently, he is Labour Peer in the House of Lords and professor at the University of East London.
He is also Chair of the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundations Trust and is a former Chairman
of the Mental Health Act Commission.
He also had served as a government minister from 20082009 in the House of Lords and on the
shadow frontbench from 20102012 in the upper house.
He had played cricket for number of local clubs and was allrounder. He had retired in 1998 from
cricket after taking all 10 wickets in a league game. He formerly had worked for the Yorkshire Cricket
Academy as a parttime coach.
He was appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1999.
India and Kazakhstan launched the first exploratory drilling at Satpayev oil block owned by India’s
ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) and Kazakhstan company KazMunaiGaz.
It was jointly launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kazakhstan premier Karim Massimov in
Astana, Kazakh capital.
Key facts
Satpayev oil block is an offshore field located in the Northern Caspian Sea. It has potential
reserves estimated at 1.8 billion barrels crude oil and natural gas.
In 2011, OVL had acquired 25 per cent stake in this block and has committed to invest around 400
million dollar to develop it.
OVL is also seeking to capture the potential of this oil block by drilling out peak output of 2 lakh 87
thousand barrels per day.
With this launch, India has made a significant step to achieve energy security especially in
hydrocarbon needs in line with Make in India programme.
This move also can be seen as India’s strategy to counter the strategic foothold gain of China in
the Central Asian region.
Transportation
The hydrocarbons from this region can be brought first to Iran via the Caspian Sea and
transported to India through a pipeline or ships.
The opening of the IranTurkmenistanKazakhstan railway link will also play important role in
transportation of these hydrocarbon resources to India.
However, India is yet to conduct feasibility study on importing crude oil and gas from Kazakhstan
either through a pipeline or ships.
Comment
Thus it can be said that India’s International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) along with
development of Chabahar Port (Iran) will play strategic role to access these resources for its energy
security, similar to China move to develop Gwadar port (Pakistan).
Pune’s prestigious Fergusson College, has been accorded the special heritage status by the
University Grants Commission (UGC).
With the status, UGC will provide financial assistance for its upkeep. Now the college is among the 19
institutions in the country to get the heritage status.
About Fergusson College
Established: 1885.
Named after: James Fergusson, the then Governor of Bombay Presidency from April 1880 to
March 1885.
Freedom fighters Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, R.G. Bhandarkar, Gopal Ganesh
Agarkar and M.G. Ranade were main force behind establishing this college.
The college has 65acre campus and has buildings of Gothic architecture.
Since its formation, it has been regarded as a landmark educational institution in Maharashtra.
The alumni of college include numerous eminent personalities including two Prime Ministers (PV
Narasimha Rao and Vishwanath Pratap Singh), theatre and film artists and writers.
World Boxing Organization (WBO) has stripped of the Welterweight World title 2015 won by Floyd
Mayweather in May 2015.
Decision in this regard was taken by WBO after Mayweather failed to pay the 200,000 dollar
sanctioning fee to WBO prior to the deadline of 3 July 2015.
As per WBO rules, boxers are required to pay 3 per cent of their purse to fight for a world title which
at maximum accounts for 200,000 dollars. The rules also prohibit WBO champions to hold any belts
in any other weight divisions.
Mayweather had won the Welterweight World title 2015 on May 2, 2015 by defeating Manny
Pacquiao of Philippines in Las Vegas. This fight was the richest of all time as it had earned around
record 220 million dollars.
At present, Mayweather is also the WBC and WBA champion at junior middleweight (154 lbs), as well
as at welterweight (147 lbs).
Japan’s Meijiera (18681912) industrial revolution sites have received World Cultural Heritage status
from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Decision in this regard was taken during the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee chaired
by Maria Bohmer in Bonn, Germany.
With this inclusion, the total Cultural sites with UNESCO World Heritage Status in Japan have
increased to 15 along with 4 natural sites.
Facts about Meijiera sites
Location: Southwest of Japan
Includes series of eleven properties that comprises Iron and Steel, coalmines and shipyards
industries.
Contributed in Japan’s evolution from feudalism to a successful industrialised modern economy.
Trace the development phase of Japan’s heavy industries and its integration to Western
technology along with fundamental changes in its traditional culture.
Represents the first successful transfer of Western industrialization to a nonWestern nation in
19th century.
About UNESCO World Heritage Site Status
This status granted to a places of cultural and natural significance by the UNESCO. The list of these
heritage sites is part of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World’s Cultural and Natural
Heritage which was adopted by the UNESCO’s General Conference in 1972.
India and Uzbekistan have inked pacts to boost cooperation between their foreign offices and in the
field of culture and tourism.
The agreements were signed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Islam Karimov,
Uzbekistan President had talks on key bilateral and regional issues.
This visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was part of his first leg of strategic tour to 5 Central Asian
countries (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) and Russia.
Both nations discussed on following issues
Economic and Strategic ties: Enhance strategic, economic and energy ties along with reviewing
key regional issues including the situation in Afghanistan.
Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism: To intensify security cooperation and exchanges
for combating terrorism, promoting regional integration and advancing stability in the region.
Defence and cyber security: Enhance cooperation in the fields of defence and cybersecurity.
Uranium supply contract: Implement the contract which was signed in 2014 for supply of 2,000
metric tonnes of the Uranium from mineralrich Uzbekistan to India.
Strengthening cooperation: In the areas of information technology, agriculture and energy.
International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC): India asked Uzbekistan to be part of
INSTC similar to Ashgabat Agreement which is s a transit pact between Uzbekistan, Iran,
Turkmenistan and Oman established in 2011.
It should be noted that INSTC is a ship, road and rail route for moving freight between India, Iran,
Russia, Europe and Central Asia.
United States (US) won the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It is overall third world cup title of US.
In the World Cup final match played at Vancouver, Canada US defeated Japan by 52 goals score.
US captain and skipper Carli Lloyd scored three goals. Lauren Holiday and Tobin Heath scored one
goal each.
2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Awards
Golden Ball Award: Carli Lloyd (US), Amandine Henry (France), Aya Miyama (Japan).
Golden Boot Award: Celia Sasic (Germany), Carli Lloyd (US), Anja Mittag (Germany).
Golden Glove Award: Hope Solo (US).
Young Player Award: Kadeisha Buchanan (Canada).
Fair Play Award: France.
About Women’s FIFA World Cup
Established: 1991 (61 years after the men’s first FIFA World Cup held in 1930).
Played every 4 years amongst women’s national football teams of the member states of FIFA.
After it establishment it was known as Women’s World Cup tournament.
Most wins: United States for 3 times (1991, 1999 and 2015), followed by Germany 2 times (2003,
2007).
Chile won South America’s most prestigious football trophy, the Copa America title 2015 for the first
time. It is Chile’s first ever international trophy in Football.
In the final match played at Santiago de Chile, the hosts defeated 14 times champion Argentina by 4
1 goals in the penalty shootout as regular match had ended in a goalless draw.
In the penalty shootout Matías Fernández, Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez and Charles Aránguiz of
Chilean team scored 1 goal each. While from Argentina team only Lionel Messi scored goal in the
penalty shoot.
It should be noted that Argentina had won Copa America title in 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941,
1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993.
About Copa America title
The Copa America (means America Cup in Spanish and Portuguese) title is an international
football competition.
It is played between the men’s national football teams of South American Football Confederation
(CONMEBOL).
It is oldest international continental football competition established in 1916.
The present tournament format was restructured in 1993 which involves 12 teams. These teams
compete at venues in a host nation over a period of one month.
Uruguay has won this title for record 15 times in 1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942,
1956, 1959, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995 and 2011.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain won 2015 Birtish Grand Prix of Formula One (F1).
This was his fourth victory of the season and his second of Birtish Grand Prix. With this victory
Hamilton became second British F1 driver to win Birtish Grand Prix two times after David Coulthard.
The drivers ranking after British Grand Prix 2015
Lewis Hamilton (Britain) of Mercedes.
Nico Rosberg (Germany) of Mercedes.
Sebastian Vettel (Germany) of Ferrari.
Felipe Massa (Brazil) of Williams.
Valtteri Bottas (Finland) of Williams.
7th Position: Nico Hulkenberg (Germany) of Force India.
9th Sergio Perez (Mexico) of Force India.
Top 5 Teams
Renowned US actress and model Diana Douglas passed away in Los Angeles due to cancer. She
was 92.
Diana Douglas was born as Diana Love Dill on 22 January, 1923 in Devonshire, Bermuda. Later she
had immigrated to US.
She had started her career as an actress in 1942 with Warner Bros Studios and had appeared in
more than 50 films since then. She had modelled on the cover of Life Magazine in 1943.
Some of her famous movies are The Indian Fighter; Planes, Trains and Automobiles; The Days of
Our Lives. Her last appearance was Runs in the Family in 2003 and retired from acting in 2008.
She had married famous US actor Kirk Douglas in 1943 and is mother of Oscar winning actor Michael
Douglas and Joel Douglas.
The death toll from Ebola virus in Liberia is on the rise once again after three new confirmed cases
were reported.
Earlier in May 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the West African country
Ebola free after no new cases were reported.
Liberia has accounted for more than 4,800 deaths since the outbreak, which began in 2014. The
West African country was believed to have been more successful in eradicating Ebola compared to its
neighbouring countries viz. Sierra Leone and Guinea, which were still reporting new cases in May,
2015.
As per WHO, the number of deaths from the Ebola epidemic exceeds 11,000. In Sierra Leone 3,903
have died and 2,386 have died in Guinea.
Fazle Hasan Abed of Bangladesh has been named as the winner of the 2015 World Food Prize.
He is founder and chairman of Bangladeshbased nongovernmental organisation (NGO) BRAC
(originally known as Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee) which is world’s largest NGO.
Since its formation, BRAC is being credited for helping more than 150 million people out of poverty. It
was formed as a temporary relief organization to help people of Bangladesh to recover from the
devastating tropical cyclone Bhola in 1972 which had killed about 500,000 people. It also had actively
participated and fought in 1971 IndoPakistan war for independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan.
Later BRAC had grown into one of the world’s largest NGO with prime focus on alleviating poverty. It
has expanded its operations in more than 10 countries especially in Asia and Africa.
For contributions to social improvement, Fazle Hasan Abed he been bestowed with prestigious
Ramon Magsaysay Award (2010) and UNDP’s Mahbub Ul Haq Award (also known as Human
Development Award) in 2004.
About World Food Prize
Established in 1986 by Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug (father of the Green Revolution).
It is an annual award that recognizes scientists and others who have improved the quality and
availability of food.
It carries monetary award of 250,000 dollars.
Since its formation, 7 Indians have won it. They are Dr Sanjaya Rajaram (2014), Dr Modadugu
Vijay Gupta (2005), Dr Surinder K. Vasal (2000), Dr B. R. Barwale (1998), Dr Gurdev Khush
(1996), Dr Verghese Kurien (1989) and Prof. M. S. Swaminathan (1987).
Affairs Today
R Paul Singh, IndianAmerican professor has been selected for 2015 World Agriculture Prize
laureate.
The award was announced at the annual Global Confederation for Higher Education Associations for
Agriculture and Life Sciences (GCHERA) conference held at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik,
Lebanon.
Singh is known for niche research areas of agricultural sector such as freezing preservation, energy
conservation, postharvest technology and mass transfer in food processing.
H had earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering form Punjab Agricultural University. He
had completed his doctorate from Michigan State University, US.
Presently he is Professor at University of California (UC), Davis and had joined it in 1975.
His research and studies on
Airflow in complex systems: helped to design innovative systems for the rapid cooling of
strawberries.
Food freezing: helped to development of computer software generally used to improve the
energy efficiency of industrial freezers.
His research group also had created food processing equipment under a NASA contract for a
manned mission to Mars.
He also had contributed in establishing and evaluating foodengineering programs at various
institutions throughout the world including in India, Brazil, Portugal, Peru and Thailand.
Iran and P5+1 nations i.e. six major powers have agreed to extend an interim nuclear agreement
until July 7, 2015 in order to allow more time for negotiations on a final deal.
This decision was taken during the talks between these nations held in the Vienna, Austria after the
deadline expired on 30 June 2015.
It should be noted that the socalled P5+1 (Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and United
States) and Iran are negotiating to curb Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for limited sanctions
relief.
They are working towards an accord that would halt Iran’s sensitive nuclear work for at least a
decade in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
Summary Background
There is decade long deadlock between Iran and Western countries over the issue of Iran’s
Nuclear Programme and safety concerns of uranium enrichment.
Western Countries allegations: Western countries especially US is alleging Iran, that their
Nuclear Programme may be used by them to produce enriched uranium to develop nuclear
warheads.
Iran’s response: However, Iran has refused the allegations of western countries and has clearly
mentioned that it is its sovereign right to continue its nuclear programme to their energy demand.
Even they had mentioned that their Nuclear programme is completely peaceful and not for
defence purpose.
P5+1 countries want Iran to reduce its uranium enrichment programme to make sure it cannot
produce nuclear warheads.
Greece has become the first developed nation to default on International Monetary Fund (IMF) debt.
It has defaulted on a 1.7 billion dollars payment to IMF.
The deadline for debt payment was missed by Greece after Eurozone Finance Ministers refused to
extend its bailout. They had refused the bailout after Greece rejected the proposal given International
Monetary Fund (IMF), European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Commission (EC). Apart
from this, ECB also has frozen its liquidity lifeline to Greek banks.
It should be noted that Greece is now formally in arrears and there are fears that this could put
Greece at risk of shifting back to its old currency Drachma by leaving the Euro. This may increase in
the cost of imports of Greece leading to increase inflation further worsening its economic crisis.
Impact of Greece crisis on India
The Greece crisis may depreciate the value Euro which may led investors to invest in Gold and Dollar
to be on the safer side. In this case it may appreciate value of dollar and make it stronger as
compared to Indian rupees.
Thus trade between the member countries and India may be largely affected as it will make imports
expensive and exports cheap. It will directly affect the oil prices.
Cuba has become the first country in the world to eliminate mothertochild transmission of HIV and
syphilis. It was announced by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Cuba was able to achieve this milestone with the help and efforts of WHO and the Pan American
Health Organisation (PAHO).
Cuba’s achievement
Since 2010, WHO/PAHO are working with partners in Cuba and other American countries to
implement a regional initiative to eliminate mothertochild transmission of HIV and syphilis.
As part of the initiative, Cuba had intensively worked to ensure early access to prenatal care, HIV and
syphilis testing for pregnant women and their partner as well as their babies.
Services under this initiative were provided as part of an equitable, accessible and universal health
system. It included services like maternal and child health programs and integrated programs for HIV
and sexually transmitted infections.
Global challenge of mothertochild HIV transmission
It is estimated that around 1.4 million women infected HIV every year globally. The chances of
mothertochild transmission of virus to their children during pregnancy are 1545% if they are
untreated.
The risk of transmission of virus in the new born can reduced with the medication of antiretroviral
medicines.
Finnish telecom engineer and father of messaging service (SMS) technology Matti Makkonen
passed away following serious illness. He was 63.
In 1984, he had pioneered the idea of sending messages via mobile networks but failed to patent it
was merely idea and was not actual implementation.
About Matti Makkonen
Matti Makkonen was born on 16 April 1952 in Suomussalmi, Finland. He had graduated as an
electrical engineer from the Oulu technical college in 1976.
He had started his career at Telecoms and Postal agency (PTL) as a systems engineer from
(1976–1983). He had served as vice president of PTL and was actively involved in the
development of the GSMtechnology from 1984 to 1988.
In 1989, he was appointed as President of the mobile communication unit which was later
renamed as Telecom Finland.
In 2008, for his work on SMS he was awarded The Economist’s Innovation Award in the computing
and telecommunications category.
Interesting facts
The first text message was sent via the Vodafone network from a computer to a mobile device in
December 1992.
In 1994, Nokia became first mobile manufacturer to introduce phone i.e. Nokia 2010 to write and
send SMS.
A 15yearold boy named Byron Wake has become Britain’s youngest ‘cyborg’ i.e. parthuman, part
machine.
He achieved this feat after inserting xNT microchip under the skin using hypodermic syringe. The
chip is the size of a grain of rice and is encased in biosafe glass.
It has ability to emit a lowpower radio signal that can perform simple functions such as unlocking a
mobile or opening a door and operate some Bluetooth devices with a wave of his hand.
It should be noted that Kevin Warwick from UK was the world’s first cyborg when he had a chip
implanted in his body in 1998. It is estimated that around 10,000 people worldwide have implanted
the chip in their body.
Team of heart experts including an Indianorigin surgeon Dr. Joseph Vettukattil for first time have
printed three dimensional (3D) anatomic heart model using multiple imaging techniques.
This hybrid 3D model of heart was successfully printed using integration of 3D transesophageal
echocardiography (3DTEE) and computed tomography (CT).
The team had used specialised software to register images in order to selectively integrate datasets
and produce an accurate anatomic model of the heart.
This study is considered as a huge leap for individualised medicine in the medical field of cardiology
and congenital heart disease. This technological breakthrough will help to promote better diagnostic
capability and improve interventional and surgical planning and also provide alternative to surgery in
cases of Heart diseases.
This technology also opens the new way in medical technology for producing anatomical parts by
using the combination with a third tool of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Dr. Joseph Vettukattil is known internationally for his work and research in the field of three and four
dimensional echocardiography.
50 founding nations including India have signed 60article agreement of Chinaled multilateral Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Australia was the first country to sign the agreement and was followed by 49 other members. Indian
Ambassador Ashok Kantha signed the agreement on behalf of country.
The 60article agreement provides the legal framework for
Institution of AIIB.
Each member’s capital share and voting share.
Governance structure of AIIB.
Policymaking mechanism of AIIB.
Facts about Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Designed to finance infrastructure projects including energy, transport and infrastructure projects
in Asia.
AIIB is seen as a rival to the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) which managed by
most prominent countries like US, Japan and European etc.
Headquarters:Beijing. It will be operational by end of 2015.
percent of shares i.e. they will be majority shareholders.
They have been allocated their capital share on quota basis i.e. based on their economic size.
Voting share: for each member country it is based on the size of their economy and not on
Largest shareholders: China is highest contributor to AIIB with 29.78 billion US dollars i.e. with a
30.34 percent stake in authorized capital.
China will have 26.06 per cent of the voting rights along with veto powers for certain key decisions.
India: second largest shareholder with 8.52 per cent stake and voting share of 7.5 per cent.
Russia: third largest shareholder with 6.66 stake and voting share of 5.92 per cent.
It should be noted that there are 57 foundermember countries AIIB. Seven countries were not able
to sign this agreement as it was not ratified by their respective domestic authorities. The seven
countries are Denmark, Malaysia, Kuwait, Holland, Philippines and South Africa and Thailand.
Two Indian organizations, India Army and Indian Railways are among the world’s biggest employers.
It was revealed in a research published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Both organisations
employ around 2.7 million people together.
Indian Railways was placed at 8th position with 1.4 million staff, while Indian Army was placed at 9th
position with 1.3 million employees in the list of world’s biggest employers.
Top 10 world’s biggest employers are:
US department of Defense: It is the world’s biggest employer with over 3.2 million employees.
People’s Liberation Army (PLA): Chinese military is 2nd biggest employer with 2.3 million
employees.
Walmart: US supermarket giant is 3rd biggest employer with 2.1 million workers.
McDonald’s: Fast food giant is the 4th biggest employer with 1.9 million employees.
National Health Service of UK: It is 5th biggest employer with 1.7 million.
China National Petroleum Corporation: It is 6th biggest employer with 1.6 million employees. It
is Chinese staterun company.
State Grid Corporation of China: It is 7th biggest employer with 1.5 million employees.
Indian Railways: 1.4 million staff.
Indian Army: 1.3 million employees.
Hon Hai Precision Factory: It is known around world as Foxconn, a leading electronics
manufacturer. It is placed at 10th position with 1.2 million employees.
Former Prime minister Yevgeny Primakov passed away in Moscow after a prolonged illness. He was
85.
He had served as PM for just eight months between September 1998 and May 1999.
During his long political career, he also had served as Foreign Minister (1996 to 1998), Speaker of
the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union (in 1989) and chief of the intelligence service. Prior to Gulf
war, he had played a prominent role in negotiations with former dictator of Iraq Saddam Hussein.
Primakov was born in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev in 1929 in erstwhile Soviet Union. He had studied
Arabic at the Moscow Institute for Oriental Studies. Prior joining politics, he had worked as a journalist
for Soviet radio and for Pravda newspaper as a Middle Eastern correspondent.
India is fourth largest carbon emitter in the world in terms of per capita emission accounting for 6.6 %
of global emissions for the year 2012.
It was revealed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in its latest analyses of the countrywise
carbon emissions of climatedamaging greenhouse gases (GHGs).
According to the analysis figures of WRI,
Top 10 emitters are: China (25.26%), US (14.4%), European Union (10.16%), India (6.69%),
Russia (5.36%), Japan (3.11%), Brazil (2.34%), Indonesia (1.76%), Mexico (1.67%) and Iran
(1.65%).
Emission Disparity: Largest 10 emitters have contributed a majority of over 72% of global GHGs
emissions (excluding change in land use and forestry). Six of the top 10 emitters are developing
countries.
On the other hand, the lowest 100 emitters had contributed less than 3% of global emissions.
Sector wise: energy sector is the largest source of GHGs emissions accounting for more than
75% of global emissions.
Industrial and agricultural sectors also have significantly contributed in GHGs emissions.
The WRI analysis was based on data from its Climate Analysis Indicators Tool (CAIT) for the year
2012. It had analysed various economic sectors for the overall emission from different countries.
Team of British scientists have discovered the first species of Yeti crab from hydrothermal vent
systems in Antarctica. Study in this regard was published in the journal Plos One.
Researches have christened this species as Kiwa Tyleri after worldrenowned British deepsea and
polar biologist professor Paul Tyler.
Characteristics of Kiwa Tyleri
Kiwa Tyleri species are found usually in warmwater refuge of hydrothermal vent systems
surrounded by the cold polar waters in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica.
It lives in very limited sized habitat near the warmwater hydrothermal vent site.
This species is unable to move between vent sites because of the hostile, low temperature and
extreme polar environment. So they, occur in highlypacked densities.
For food it is dependent on chemosynthetic bacteria which overgrow the surfaces of hydrothermal
vent chimneys.
Its body is densely covered by bristles known as setae. It has fur like appearance due to bacteria
living on it.
Terms
Hydrothermal vent systems: It is a fissure releasing geothermally heated water which comes out
on planet’s surface. Commonly found in active volcanic places.
Chemosynthetic bacteria: They obtain energy from exothermic oxidation of inorganic or simple
organic compounds in absence of light. This energy is utilized for metabolic processes.
Australia has decided to join the Chinaled Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as a founding
member.
In this regard, Australia will contribute paidin capital of 718.5 million US dollars over next five years
i.e. till 2020. With this investment it will become sixth largest shareholder in AIIB.
About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
AIIB is an international financial institution proposed by China which seeks to provide support to
infrastructure projects in Asia.
Headquarters: It is expected to be operational in December 2015.
The bank is also considered as China’s move to balance the power with the WB, IMF and ADB
which are being controlled/dominated by the US, EU and Japan respectively.
The authorised capital of AIIB is US $100 billion and the initial subscribed capital is expected to be
around US $50 billion. The paidin ratio will be 20%.
The bank will lend designed finance to infrastructure projects like construction of roads, ports,
railways etc. in Asia.
India along with other 20 member nations was the founding member of AIIB and had signed
agreement in this regard in October 2014. It should be noted that India is the secondlargest
shareholder of AIIB.
India has pledged an assistance of one billion US dollars to the quakeravaged Nepal for its massive
reconstruction programme.
The announcement was made by Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during the
International Donors’ Conference held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
One fourth of the assistance from India will be grant and it will be part of India’s existing bilateral
developmental assistance of another one billion dollars over the 5 five years.
The International Donors’ Conference was organised by the Nepalese government to raise funds to
rebuild the country. It was attended by several countries including China, Japan and Britain,
European Union (UN) besides world agencies like United Nations, World Bank and Asian
Development Bank (ADB).
Background
On 25th April 2015, Nepal was struck by 7.9magnitude devastating earthquake. In this natural
disaster around 9,000 people were killed and around 23,000 were injured. It had destroyed lakhs of
houses.
India has emerged as the third largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) source for United Kingdom
(UK) in 201415.
It was revealed in recently released report Inward Investment Report 201415 of UK Trade and
Industry (UKTI). This FDI source was based in terms of number of projects i.e. source of inward
investment.
US has remained the largest source of inward investment for UK with a total of 564 projects in 2014
15 and was followed by France (124 projects) and India (122 projects).
During the year 201415, the FDI from India increased by 65 per cent and has resulted in creation of
7,730 jobs as well as protection of 1,620 jobs in UK. Sector wise Indian companies had invested in
healthcare, agriculturetechnology, food and drink.
As per the report, 70 countries have invested a record 1 trillion pounds in UK in 201415 making it
Europe’s top FDI destination. It also has mentioned that UK has attracted 12 per cent more FDI
projects compared to the previous year i.e. 201314.
James Horner, the twotime Oscarwinning composer died in plane crash in California, United States.
He was 61.
In 1997, Horner had won two Oscars (Academy Awards) for best original score and along with
original song win for Celin Dion sung My Heart Will Go On in one of the biggest Hollywood hits movie
Titanic directed by James Cameron.
About James Horner
James Horner was born on 14 August 1953 in Los Angeles, United States.
He was an accomplished concert hall composer and later had moved into writing film scores.
His debut film score was for film The Lady in Red (1979). Till date he has 95 soundtrack and 158
composes to his credits which includes music of over 100 films.
His first major movie score in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) film and had uncredited
acting appearance in same film.
He also had composed for the Avatar (£4.2 billion) and Titanic (£3.2 billion) both are highest
grossing films of all time.
Awards: 2 Oscars won for Titanic and was nominated for 8 other. He also had won 2 Golden
Globe Awards, 3 Satellite Awards, 3 Saturn Awards and was nominated for 3 British Academy Film
Awards.
Joint military training exercise code named ‘Silk Route 2015′ between China and Sri Lanka has
begun at Buttala in Central Sri Lanka.
It is threeweek long joint military training exercise will be conducted in three phases. Phase 1 will be
held June 2228, 2015; Phase 2 will be held from June 28July 5, 2015 and Phase 3 will be held from
July 5 – July 13, 2015.
In the first phase of the 2nd joint exercise involves Sri Lankan Army and People’s Liberation Army
(PLA) of China have participated.
This training will focus on weapon handling, live firing, VIP protection study and other warfare and
battle skills related fields.
It will also cover other exercises such as backup vehicle movement and training, ambush drills,
special mission planning, combat tracking techniques, jungle warfare and basic battle skills, aircraft
and building option training, vehicle ambush drills etc.
The first stage of the ‘Silk Route – 2015′ exercise was conducted in China earlier between March 29
and April 17, 2015 following successful negotiations between armies of both nations.
Typhoon Kujira has made landfall in south China’s Hainan island province. It is the eighth typhoon of
2015 in this Southeast Asian region.
After Typhoon Kujira struck the mainland region, it had brought heavy rain with packing winds of up to
90 kilometers per hour. However, after its landfall in Hainan the typhoon (tropical cyclone) had
weakened into a tropical storm.
Prior to landfall of typhoon more than 40,000 people and over 20,000 fishing boats were called back
to harbor. Apart from it around 63 flights have been canceled at the Meilan International Airport in the
provincial capital of Haikou and 99 flights were cancelled at Sanya Phoenix International Airport.
India and South Africa have renewed an agreement to extend cooperation in the various fields of
science and technology such as astronomy, social innovation, biotechnology, agriculture and
indigenous knowledge systems.
It was renewed by signing Fourth Programme of Cooperation during the 10th Joint Committee
meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation between both nations held in Johannesburg, South
Africa.
Now the signed agreement will extend for the next three years i.e. till 2018. It should be noted that in
1995 both nations had signed a bilateral agreement in the field of science and technology.
During these 20 years of successful science and technology cooperation both nations had
undertaken 74 joint research projects in various areas and played important role in important
strategic role in SouthSouth cooperation.
They successful science and technology cooperation was undertaken in areas such as information
science, biotechnology, astronomy, technologies for rural applications, food science, nanotechnology,
indigenous knowledge systems and renewable energy.
China has opened 2nd land border crossing in Tibet via Nathu La, Sikkim to allow the Indian pilgrims
for KailashMansarovar yatra.
The new route is in addition and alternative to the existing Lipulekh Pass route located in Uttarakhand
which was only route earlier. This route was damaged in the devastating Uttarakhand floods in 2013.
The border crossing at Nathu La is located 4,000 metres above sea level. This route will facilitate
comfortable travel for Indian pilgrims by buses compared to previous route.
By this route, pilgrims will be travel by bus to Shigatse in the Tibet Autonomous Region, around 1500
kms away from Nathula to reach their ultimate destination the Kailash–Mansarovar.
It should be noted that the opening of this route was officially announced during Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s visit to China in May 2015.
As per recently published study in the journal Science Advances, humans are driving Earth to sixth
mass extinction.
The study was led by team of experts from Stanford University, Princeton University and the
University of California, Berkeley of United states.
Key facts
The analysis of study was based on documented extinctions of vertebrate species such as frogs,
tigers, reptiles and from fossil records and other historical data.
Researchers had compared the modern rate of species loss to the natural rates of species
disappearance before human activity was dominated.
As per natural rate of extinction, two species go extinct per 10,000 species in 100 years.
However, modern rates of extinction are 8 to 100 times higher. For example, 477 vertebrates have
gone extinct since 1900, rather than 9 that would be expected at natural rates.
The average rate of vertebrate species loss in past 100 years is up to 114 times higher than it
would had been without human activity.
Main causes for species loss includes climate change, pollution, deforestation, habitat loss, over
exploitation for economic gain etc.
As per International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) around 41 percent of all amphibian
species and 26 percent of mammals are threatened with extinction.
The study calls for rapid and greatly intensified efforts to conserve already threatened species. It also
calls to alleviate pressures on species populations due overexploitation for economic gain, habitat
loss and climate change.
Every year June 20 is observed as World Refugee Day to raise awareness of the situation of
refugees throughout the world. The theme for year 2015 is With courage let us all combine.
Background of World Refugee Day
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had passed a resolution to observe 20 June as World
Refugee Day on 4 December 2000.
It was passed to mark 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of
Refugees. Since then it is observed annually with different themes.
Prior to passing of this resolution in 2000, African Refugee Day was formally celebrated on 20 June in
several countries especially by Organization of African Unity (OAU) member states.
On this day, United Nations Refugee Agency (UNRA) hosts various events and announces a theme
for its campaign.
With this UNRA seeks to draw the public’s attention to the millions of refugees and internally
displaced persons worldwide who have fled their homes forcefully due to war, conflict and
persecution.
Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has issued a decree to extend the mandate of
present Parliament which expires on 22 June 2015.
President Ghani had taken this decision in consultation with the judiciary, the legislative and the
executive.
With the issuing of decree, current Afghan Parliament now can continue to function until voting take
place for the parliamentary elections. The dated for elections to elect new Parliament will be
announced later in end of June 2015.
The parliamentary elections of Afghanistan were scheduled in April 2015. However due to security
reasons and disagreement on how to conduct a free and fair voting it was delayed.
It should be also noted that during 2014 presidential elections, both Ashraf Ghani and his rival
Abdullah Abdullah had claimed victory in the election which marred by accusations of widespread
fraud on both sides.
Later, after the intervention of United States both of them agreed to form a unity government. After
this deal Ashraf Ghani was chosen as President and Abdullah as Chief Executive.
India and Tanzania have inked various agreements including for cooperation in the field of statistics,
hydrography, agricultural science and tourism.
These agreements were signed in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counter
Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete in New Delhi.
Apart from signing these agreements both nations also agreed to set up a joint working group on
counterterrorism and increase gas exploration cooperation in the east African nation.
It should be noted that President of Tanzania is on a fiveday tour to India from 17 June to 21 June
2015. He is the first head of state from Africa to visit India after the PM Narendra Modi led
Government came to power in 2014.
MoU on establishing a collaborative program in official statistics: It was signed for capacity
building of EASTC Staff and other African Countries in Official Statistics.
Signatory parties are Tanzania’s East Africa Statistical Training Center (EASTC) and India’s
National Statistical System Training Academy (NSSTA).
MoU on cooperation in Agricultural Statistics, Computer Applications and Bioinformatics:
for capacity building in Staff of Tanzania’s EASTC and other African Countries in Agricultural
Statistics, Computer Applications and Bioinformatics.
Signatory parties are EASTC and Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI), Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Tourism: Enhance bilateral cooperation in Tourism and
hospitality sectors.
Loan agreement to operationalise the LoC: Loan agreement on LOC for US 268.35 million
dollars for extension of Lake Victoria pipeline project.
Signatory parties are Exim Bank and Government of Tanzania (GoT).
MOU for Cooperation in the field of Hydrography along with Protocol on exchange of
Hydrographic Data: Promote development and cooperation in the field of Hydrography through
conducting surveys, capacity building, exchange of data and infrastructure strengthening.
Agreement for appointing the former as PMC: The agreement will pave way for preparing
Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Lake Victoria pipeline project.
Signatory parties are Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS), PSU under the Ministry
of Water Resources of Union Government and Government of Tanzania.
Britain’s longestserving Indianorigin MP Keith Vaz, has been reelected as Chairman of Home
Affairs Select Committee (HASC) in House of Commons of UK Parliament.
He was reelected as Chairman of HASC for third time by receiving 412 votes compared to 192 votes
secured by his opponent Labour Party MP Fiona MacTaggart.
For the first time he was elected as Chairman of HASC in July 2007.
About Keith Vaz
His full name is Nigel Keith Anthony Standish Vaz, but popularly known as Keith Vaz.
Keith Vaz was born to Goan parents on 26 November 1956.
He is a Labour Party politician and currently represents Leicester East constituency. He was
elected as Member of Parliament for first time in 1987.
He also had served as the Minister for Europe, Foreign and Commonwealth Office from 1999 to
2001in Tony Blair led government.
Prior to joining political career, Keith Vaz was practicing as a solicitor.
The world’s first electric passenger aircraft named BX1E was manufactured in China.
The aircraft was designed by Shenyang Aerospace University and Liaoning General Aviation
Academy located in the northeastern Liaoning Province of China.
Features of BX1E Electric Passenger aircraft
BX1E aircraft has a 14.5meter wingspan and a maximum payload of 230 kgs.
It can fly at an altitude of 3,000 meters.
The aircraft can charge within two hours.
Fully charged aircraft can have flight time of 45 minutes to 1 hour with a maximum speed of 160
km per hour.
The first two BX1E aircrafts were delivered to Liaoning Ruixiang General Aviation Co. Ltd. These
aircrafts will be used in tourism, pilot training, meteorology and rescue operations.
Recently published study in the journal Nature has revealed that Moon is engulfed in a permanent
but lopsided dust cloud made up of tiny dust grains.
The study team was led by Professor Mihaly Horanyi of University of Colorado Boulder physics.
Key fact
The dust cloud was discovered by using data from NASA’s Lunar Atmosphere and Dust
Environment Explorer (LADEE).
Composition: The cloud is primarily made up of tiny dust grains kicked up from the Moon’s
surface. These tiny dust grains were result of the impact of highspeed, interplanetary dust
particles.
Formation: Such a single dust particle from a comet striking the Moon’s surface lofts thousands of
smaller dust particles into moon’s airless environment. This resulted in formation of lunar cloud
which is maintained by regular impacts from such particles.
With annual events like the Geminids meteor shower, the density of dust cloud increases.
It should be noted that the dust on the Moon which is dark and sticky was created over several
billion years ago. It was outcome of interplanetary dust particles incessantly pounded the rocky
lunar surface.
Practical Applications of this Study: Knowledge of the dusty environments in space especially
knowing where the dust is and where it is headed in the solar system may help to mitigate hazards
for future human exploration missions including dust particles damaging spacecraft or harming
astronauts.
Note: LADEE was launched in September 2013. It had orbited the Moon for about six months. With
the help of a detector on board LADEE a CUBoulder was charted from more than 140,000 impacts
during the sixmonth mission.
As per recently released Global Peace Index (GPI) for year 2015, India was placed at 143th rank out
162 countries.
The report was published by Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). India’s rank has remained
same compared to previous year global rankings.
Key facts from Global Peace Index 2015
Top 10 peaceful countries: Iceland (1st), Denmark (2nd), Austria (3rd), New Zealand (4th),
Switzerland (5th), Finland (6th), Canada (7th), Japan (8th), Australia (9th) and Czech Republic
(10th).
Top 10 least peaceful countries: North Korea (153rd), Pakistan (154th), Congo (155), Sudan
(156), Somalia (157), Central Africa (158th), South Sudan (159th), Afghanistan (160th), Iraq
(161st) and Syria (162nd).
India’s neighbours: Bhutan (18th), Nepal (62nd), Bangladesh (84th), Sri Lanka (114th), Pakistan
(154th).
In 2014, the violent events had cost $14.3 trillion from the global economy. It accounted for 13.4%
of global GDP.
About 50 million people i.e. 0.75% of the current world population are displaced.
In 2014, deaths from terrorism were reported in 69 countries reported. It was up from 60 in 2013
highlighting the increasing use of terror tactics.
In case of India, violence has cost it $341.7 billion i.e. 4.7% of its GDP in 2014 which is the fourth
highest cost in the world.
About Global Peace Index (GPI)
It is an annual report published by the Sydney (Australia) based Institute for Economics and Peace
(IEP) since 2007.
GPI uses 22 indicators to measure levels of world peace. Indicators range from a nation’s level of
military expenditure to its relations with neighboring nations and the percentage of prison
population in 162 countries. It also includes safety and security in society, extent of domestic and
international conflict.
The IEP is an international and independent think tank dedicated to draw the world’s attention
towards peace as a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human wellbeing and
development.
Asia Pacific region has overtaken Europe as the world’s second richest region for the first time in
terms of global wealth management.
It was revealed in recently released report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a global management
consulting firm.
Key highlights of report
Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan) has held around 47 trillion dollars in private wealth in 2014.
The main reason for the growth in wealth in this region was due to increase in number of new
millionaires in China and India.
North America region has remained as the world’s richest region with 51 trillion dollars.
Asia Pacific region is going to surpass North America region in 2016 as world’s richest region with
forecasted wealth to reach $57 trillion in 2016 compared to $56 trillion of North America.
It is also projected that Asia Pacific region will hold 34 per cent of global wealth in 2019.
Forecasted average growth rate of private wealth is expected to be around 6 percent per year. It
is going to reach $222 trillion in 2019.
In 2014 the private financial wealth globally has grown by nearly 12 percent to $164 trillion.
Nearly threequarters i.e. 73 percent or $13 trillion of private wealth growth was achieved through
the growth of existing assets. While remainder 27 percent of wealth growth or $5 trillion was
generated by newly created wealth.
Kirk Kerkorian billionaire Las Vegas mogul and casino tycoon passed away after a brief illness. He
was 98.
Kirk Kerkorian was born on 6 June 1917 as Kerkor Kerkorian in California, US to Armenian
immigrants. Apart from being casino tycoon he was Hollywood tycoon and had diversified
investments in airlines and auto industry.
Initially, he had worked as skilled aviator and had flown dangerous missions of delivering warplanes
from Canada to Britain during World War II. Later, he had opened a charter flight business serving
gamblers wanting to get from Los Angeles to Las Vegas more quickly than a 10hour drive.
Kirk Kerkorian had founded MGM Resorts International and was its largest shareholder till his date.
He had first made his fortune in the 1950s and 1960s in Las Vegas, the desert gambling capital and
had built the world’s biggest hotel in Las Vegas.
He also made fortune by investing in the automobile industry such as Chrysler in 1990s and General
Motors and Ford in the 2000s.
Researchers have created the world’s thinnest light bulb using graphene as filament.
It was created by team of scientist led by Young Duck Kim comprising members from Columbia
University School of Engineering, Seoul National University and Korea Research Institute of
Standards and Science.
Features of Bulb
The bulb uses graphene, a perfectly crystalline form of carbon as a filament.
The filament is attached to metal electrodes and suspended the strips above the substrate.
After current is passed through filament it heats up to over 2,500° C and produces exceptionally
bright light.
Applications: The new type of thinnest bulb can be used as broadband light emitter. It can also be
integrated into chips which will pave the way towards the realisation of atomically flexible, thin and
transparent displays. It will also help to boost graphenebased onchip high speed optical
communications.
United States (US) has announced to curb and eliminate majority of partially hydrogenated oils
(PHOs) commonly called transfats from the country’s food supply by 2018.
This decision of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) comes after intensive lobbying by health
advocates and scientists that artificial oils raise the risk of heart diseases by clogging arteries.
In this regard, US FDA has revoked the status of PHOs as a food additive from current status of safe
food product. Henceforth food manufacturers in US will be no longer be able to use the PHOs in food
without prior approval of FDA.
Implication
The new policy will help to prevent at least 20,000 coronary heart attacks each year and 7,000
deaths from coronary heart disease in US.
It will also serve as lessons for the regulation on transfat use in foods in developing countries such
as India where heart related diseases are on rise.
Background
In United States the popularity of trans fats had soared in the 1940s. Since then it had emerged as a
key ingredient in major food products as it was cheap to produce with a long shelf life.
In 2006, the FDA had mandatorily insisted all food manufacturing firms to include trans fat content
information on labels of each product. In November 2013, FDA had recognised trans fats as a threat
to public health. WHO also consider trans fats as toxic for consumption at certain levels.
Bangladesh Supreme Court’s appellate bench upheld the death sentence of war criminal and
JamaateIslami leader Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid.
Decision in this regard was taken by 4member bench headed by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar
Sinha. The court has found Mujahid guilty of systematically killing intellectuals in the end of the 1971
Liberation War of Bangladesh.
He is the third Jamaat leader to appeal in appealed in Bangladesh Supreme Court, but court ruled
against them and upheld their death sentences. Two other Jamaat leaders are Quader Mollah and
Kamaruzzaman. They were executed in 2013 and 2015 respectively.
Background
During the liberation war Mujahid was leader of the infamous AlBadr, a militia group that was raised
by Pakistan to crush the Bangladeshi independence struggle movement during the Liberation War.
Earlier in 2013, International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) had sentenced him to death for his war
crimes such as genocide, conspiracy in killing intellectuals, torture and abduction.
United Kingdom (UK) celebrated 800 years of signing of Magna Carta on 15 June 2015.
The celebrations to observe signing of 8 century year old historic document which had laid foundation
for modern democratic society was led by Queen Elizabeth II. UK Prime Minister David Cameron
was also had joined the queen to mark the celebrations.
About Magna Carta
Magna Carta is a Latin word which in English means Great Charter. It is most important document
of England signed on 15 June 1215 at Runnymede alongside the River Thames in the English
county of Surrey.
It had originated as a peace and truce treaty between King John and a group of rebellious barons
within his kingdom.
The document had written promises between King John and his subjects mentioning that the king
will govern England and deal with its people according to the customs of feudal law.
Magna Carta had laid the first steps towards parliamentary democracy and the principle
supremacy of law i.e. no one is above the law. It also laid the principle of balance of power
between the governed and government.
Its influence can be seen in other documents across the world including the UN Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and on US Constitution and Bill of Rights.
In case of India, its influence also can be seen on Part III of constitution which contains
fundamental rights, described as the magna carta of India which has been derived inspiration from
Bill of Rights.
Mogens Lykketoft from Denmark was unanimously elected as President of United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA). He was only the nominee put forward by the Western Europe and other group
(WEOG).
Mogens Lykketoft succeeds Uganda’s Sam Kutesa who was President of 69th session of UNGA. He
will preside over the 193member UNGA in its upcoming 70th session for oneyear term.
Presently, Lykketoft is President (speaker) of Denmark’s Parliament since 2011. Earlier he had
served as Cabinet Minister in Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen led government and had held
portfolios such as Finance Minister (1993 to 2000) and Foreign Minister (2000 to 2001).
About UNGA President
President of UNGA presides over the sessions of the General Assembly which is starts begins every
year in September.
The President is elected annually on rotational basis between the five geographic groups namely
African, Asian, Eastern European, Latin American and Caribbean and Western European and other
States
Interesting fact: Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was first and only Indian to serve as President of UNGA in
1953. She was also the first woman President of UNGA.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) have inked a Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) for the
regulation of passenger, personnel and cargo vehicular traffic for the economic benefit of the entire
region.
On behalf of India, the agreement was signed by Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and
Shipping, Nitin Gadkari in Thimpu, Bhutan.
Key Facts about BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA)
BBIN MVA agreement which is similar to the SAARC Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) aims to
promote safe, environmentally sound and economical efficient road transport in the subregion of
BBIN.
It also seeks to help each member country to create an institutional mechanism for regional
integration.
The agreement will be supplemented by building and upgrading roads, railways and waterways
infrastructure in this region in order to ensure smooth crossborder flow of goods, services,
technology, capital and peopletopeople contact.
It will benefit member nations for mutual cross border movement of passenger and goods for
overall economic development of the region.
For implementation of this agreement each signatory member will bear its own costs.
As per recently published Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2015,
the number of nuclear weapons in the world decreased in 2015.
The overall stockpile of nuclear weapons has declined to 15,850 in early 2015 from 16,350 in early
2014.
Key facts from SIPRI yearbook
Main countries possessing nuclear warheads are modernizing their arsenal.
Reason behind the decrease in the number of nuclear warheads is because of reduction of them
from two main nuclear powers United States and Russia.
Currently Russia has 7,500 number of nuclear warheads compared to 8,000 in 2014. While, US
had 7,260 nuclear warheads compared to 7,300 in 2014.
Till date nine countries possesses approximately around 15, 850 nuclear weapons.
They are United States, Russia, United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North
Korea.
Of these all nuclear weapons around 1800 weapons are kept in a state of high operational alert.
World Bank and World Health Organisation (WHO) in their latest report have reported that around
400million people worldwide lack access to essential health services.
It was revealed in a report by the World Bank and WHO on tracking universal health care (UHC)
coverage. It is the first report to measure health service coverage and financial protection and to
assess countries’ progress towards UHC.
Key facts from report
It defines UHC in terms of measurable essential services and to be able to assess how
governments and communities are performing.
Apart from lack access to essential health services, the cost of health care is forcing many into
poverty.
More than 80 percent of world population has access to key health services.
Universal health care should reach everyone regardless of socioeconomic level.
This UHC should be provided in family planning, TB treatment, antenatal care, HIV antiretroviral
therapy along with improved water sources and improved sanitary facilities.
Philae comet lander has taken on the surface of Comet 67P (ChuryumovGerasimenko) from seven
month hibernation.
It was announced by European Space Agency (ESA) after the comet lander managed to
communicate with Earth for more than a minute.
In November 2014, Philae comet lander had created space history by becoming first to probe landed
on a comet. The historic feat was achieved after it was dropped on to the surface of Comet 67P by its
mothership Rosetta.
After successfully landing on the comet it had worked for 60 hours and had conducted experiments
and transmitted that data to Earth before going into hibernation after its solarpowered battery ran
flat.
Probe resumed its communication on 14 June 2015 by sending about 300 packages of data to Earth
via its mother ship Rosetta which is still orbiting the comet.
Timeline of Philae’s journey
March 2004: ESA’s unmanned probe Rosetta was successfully launched from Kourou, French
Guiana.
February 2007: The probe carries out a close flyby of Mars.
September 2008: Probe successfully passes close to an asteroid 2867 located 400 million km
from Earth.
July 2010: The probe transmits first pictures from the largest asteroid ever visited by a satellite
Lutetia in between Mars and Jupiter.
August 2014: It swings alongside comet 67P situated in between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
November 2014: Philae lander successfully lands on comet after it is released from Rosetta.
China has launched a freight train service between its northeastern city of Harbin and Europe. The
9,820kmlong distance rail route will open new trade options for Chinese goods in the European
Market.
It was launched by HAO Logistics Co. Ltd which is a joint venture company that runs the freight
service.
The train carrying 49 containers of domestic goods such as electronic products and auto parts worth
US 3 million dollars started its journey from Harbin capital of Heilongjiang province.
The freight train will run once a week. Each single trip will take 15 days and it will transport goods
from China, South Korea and Japan as well as goods from European countries such as Poland,
Germany, Spain, France and Italy.
This train will pass through countries like Russia and Poland to reach its final destination in Hamburg,
Germany.
Several other Chinese cities like Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yiwu, Hefei and Suzhou have
launched similar freight train services to Europe.
Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V K Singh inaugurated first IndiaChina Yoga College at
Yunnan Minzu University in Kunming, China.
This is first Indian government institution related Indian spiritual art form i.e. Yoga in China
inaugurated ahead of the first UN Yoga Day to be observed on June 21.
The Yoga College was established in lines with the MoU for establishing the Yoga College signed
during the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China in May 2015.
This college seeks to provide certification courses in the Indian spiritual art with them Indian teachers
who are going to help in curriculum development and training. Indian Council of Cultural Relations
(ICCR) will provide two teachers to the university.
Apart from this, Minister also unveiled the bust of Rabindranath Tagore at the University to mark his
150th birth centenary. It should be noted that Nobel laureate Tagore is most popular Indian literary
personality whose works are widely translated and read in China.
As per recently released report by British Petroleum (BP) Energy Company, United States (US)
became the world’s largest oil producer in 2014 surpassing Saudi Arabia.
It was reveled in BP Energy Company report tilled Statistical Review of World Energy.
Key facts from Report
Oil production: US had produced 11.6 million barrels of oil per day (bpd) i.e. 15.9% more oil in
2014.
While, Saudi Arabia was placed second position as it had produced 11.5 million bpd in 2014.
Russia was placed at third position with 10.8 million bpd oil production.
Natural gas: US also has surpassed Russia as the world’s largest producer of natural gas. In
2014, US had produced 1,250.4 million tons of oil equivalent natural gas.
Russia had produced 1,062 million tons of oil equivalent natural gas in 2014.
Consumption side: Primary energy consumption had slowed markedly with growth of just 0.9%
in 2014. It was a lower rate than at any time since the late 1990s.
Growth in consumption of China has slowed to its lowest level since 1998. The main reason for is
due to its economy rebalances which are away from energy intensive sectors. But China had
remained the world’s largest growth market for energy in 2014.
China had consumed 2972.1 million tons of oil equivalent energy. US had consumed 2298.7
million tons. Japan had consumed 456.1 million tons oil equivalent energy. Russia had consumed
681.9 million tons oil equivalent energy.
Facts related to India: India’s oil production gad declined by 1.3% at 895,000 bpd, while the
consumption had increased by 3% to 3.8 million bpd.
India has shown 7.1% rise in energy consumption. It is the fastest consumption among major
economies. It had consumed 637.8 million tons of oil and oil equivalent natural gas, coal, nuclear
energy, hydroelectricity and renewable energy.
Refining: India is selfsufficient and fourth largest in refining capacity with 4.3 million bpd. Top
three nations are US (17.79 million bpd), China (14.09 million bpd) and Russia (6.3 million bpd).
The World Day Against Child Labour is being observed annually across world on 12 June to bring
awareness against child labour.
The theme of this year is No to Child Labour, Yes to Quality Education. This year’s World Day Against
Child Labour call for:
For all children free, compulsory and quality education till the minimum age for admission to
employment and action to reach those presently in child labour.
New efforts to ensure consistent and effectiveness of national policies on child labour and
education.
Ensure policies that provide access to quality education and investment in the teaching profession.
Background
World Day Against Child Labour is an initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO). It was
launched in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and to take action and efforts
needed to eliminate it.
Since then every year on 12 June, observance of this governments, workers organizations,
employers, civil society as well as millions of people from around the world come together to highlight
the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.
According to recent global estimates, around 12 crore children between the age of 5 and 14 are
involved in child labour. Main reasons of child labour are poverty, lack of decent work for adults and
social protection, and failure to ensure schooling of children.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has announced that in past one decade
renewable energy targets have quadruple globally.
It was mentioned IRENA Renewable Energy Target Setting report which was released by IRENA
DirectorGeneral Adnan Z. Amin on the side lines of IRENA’s 9th Council meeting in Dubai.
As per report, 164 countries have adopted at least one type of renewable energy target compared to
43 countries in 2005. All nations are adopting renewable energy targets to meet multiple objectives
including energy security, environmental sustainability and socioeconomic benefits.
Developing and emerging economies are leading nations to adopt of renewable energy targets,
accounting for 131 out of the 164 countries. The majority of 150 countries have focused committed
renewable energy targets on the electricity sector
The numbers of countries setting renewable targets for the heating and cooling sector have
increased to 47 from 2 countries in 2005. Similarly, renewable transport targets have also has
doubled to 59 countries from 27 countries in 2005.
About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
IRENA is an intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable use of
renewable energy.
It is a global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information exchange within its member
nations.
Founded: in 2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010.
Headquarters: Abu Dhabi.
Two governing structure: IRENA Assembly which takes decisions at macro level and gives policy
guidance. IRENA Council is main governing body and is responsible for implementing various
decisions of assembly.
Members: In total it has 140 Members. India is one of the 33 Permanent and founder members of
IRENA.
Legendary English actor, singer and writer Sir Christopher Lee passed away in London, United
Kingdom. He was 93.
The veteran actor was famously known as the master of horror for his famous villainy acting roles in
numerous movies such as Dracula, The Wicker Man, James Bond, Lord of the Rings trilogy etc.
About Sir Christopher Lee
Christopher Lee was born in London in 1922
Film career: His on screen acting career began in 1947 after he had the Rank Organisation
where he was trained as an actor. His career spanned more than 7 decades.
His famous acting roles include Francisco Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974),
Saruman in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy (2001–2003), The Hobbit film trilogy (2012–2014),
Count Dooku Star Wars trilogy (2002 and 2005) and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008).
He also is known for his best performance portraying of Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah
in the biopic Jinnah (1998).
Music career: Lee was also known for his singing ability. He had recorded various opera and
musical pieces between 1986 and 1998.
He also had recorded symphonic metal album Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross in 2010
after he had worked with several metal bands since 2005.
Awards and Honours: He was knighted in 2009 for services to drama and charity and was
awarded the Bafta fellowship in 2011 and Spirit of Metal award (2010).
China has conducted the fourth successful test of a new Wu14 hypersonic strike vehicle which is
capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
The test was conducted on 7 June 2015 and the vehicle launched atop a ballistic missile fired from a
test facility in western China.
The vehicle has ability to executed extreme maneuvers that may be able to render US antimissile
defense systems obsolete.
This test was the fourth test in past 18 months. Previous tests were conducted in year 2014 in the
months of January, August and December.
The Wu14 is capable to travel in high altitude in the atmosphere on the edge of space. It can carry
nuclear or conventional warheads. The hightech vehicle can travel at speeds of up to 10 times the
speed of sound i.e. around 7,680 miles per hour.
African countries have signed a historic The Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) that facilitates
creation of Africa’s largest freetrade zone.
This freetrade zone will cover 26 countries in an area from southernmost tip of African continent i.e.
Cape Town (South Africa) to Cairo (Egypt) in the north.
The pact was signed in Egypt will intent to ease the movement of goods across 26 member countries
which represent more than half the continent’s GDP.
TFTA pact combines existing three trade blocs among the African nations viz
Southern African Development Community (SADC).
East African Community (EAC).
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
It will remove trade barriers on most goods, making them cheaper and stimulating $ 1 trillion worth of
economic activity across the region of more than 600 million people. Thus bolster intraregional trade
by creating a wider market that will increase investment flow and enhance regional infrastructure
development.
The pact will then be officially unveiled at the upcoming 25th summit of the African Union in South
Africa. After adopting it will need parliamentary ratification from all membernations.
Map Source: Agence FrancePresse (AFP)
Researchers in Peru have discovered trios of statuettes which belong to some 3,800 years ago.
They were discovered by research team led by archaeologist Ruth Shady. The final discovery
announcement was made by the Peruvian Cultural Ministry in Lima.
The mud statuettes were found inside a reed basket in a building at the ancient city of Vichama in
northern Peru.
Key Facts
These statuettes are believed to be created by the ancient Caral civilization some 3,800 years
ago.
They were Probably were used in religious rituals performed before breaking ground on a new
building.
Among discovered statuettes, two are of the figures consisting of a naked man and woman
painted in white, black and red. It is believed that they represent political authorities.
The third statue is of women with 28 fingers and red dots on her white face. It is believed that she
represent a priestess.
Researchers also have unearthed two mud figurines of women’s faces wrapped in cloth and
covered with yellow, blue and orange feathers.
The Caral civilization had emerged some 5,000 years ago and had lived in Peru’s Supe Valley. They
have left behind impressive architecture including pyramids and sunken amphitheaters.
As per recent study published in the Conservation Biology journal, Yellowbreasted buntings
(Emberiza aureola), a songbird are near to extinction.
The study has mentioned that population this bird species which is also known as he “rice bird” in
China has plunged by 90 percent since 1980 and disappearing from Eastern Europe, Japan and
parts of Russia.
The main reason mentioned in the study for decline of songbirds is illegal hunting for food and sold
on the black market in China.
Earlier in 1997, China had banned China the hunting of the species following initial population
declines but failed to implement to conservation measures to protect them.
Since 2013, Yellowbreasted buntings have been classified by the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an endangered species due to rapid population decline.
The paper compares hunting of this species with the North American passenger pigeon, which
became extinct in 1914 due to industrialscale hunting.
It should be noted that Yellowbreasted buntings is Eurasian passerine bird that belongs to the
bunting family (Emberizidae). It is migratory bird wintering in southeast Asia, India, and southern
China.
World’s first prosthetic (artificial) leg capable of simulating the feelings of a real limb and fighting
phantom pain was unveiled by researchers in Vienna, Austria.
The first of its kind medical innovation is the result of a twofold process which is developed by
Professor Hubert Egger at the University of Linz, Austria.
This prosthetic leg was fitted on Wolfgang Rangger who had lost his right leg in 2007.
Key facts
The new feeling prosthetic leg was rewired to remaining foot nerve endings from Rangger’s stump
to healthy tissue in the thigh by surgeons.
Six sensors are fitted to the foot sole of prosthesis which are relayed to a microcontroller and
linked to stimulators inside the shaft where the stump sits.
These small sensor devices measure the pressure of heel, toe and foot movement and send
these signals to the brain every time Rangger takes a step or applies pressure.
The sensors also tell the brain there is a foot and the wearer has the impression that it rolls off the
ground when he walks.
The prosthesis also provides another remarkable function i.e. eradicate the excruciating phantom
pain Mr Rangger had experienced for years following his amputation.
This pain occurs because the brain gets increasingly sensitive as it seeks information about the
missing limb.
Earlier in 2010, Austrian scientist he presented a mindcontrolled prosthetic arm or bionic hand which
allowed the amputee to feel sensations from their fingers.
India and Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of
Measles Rubella Vaccines.
The MoU was signed under Make in India initiative of Union government in the presence of the
Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte during his visit to India.
The vaccine will be manufactured by Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation Ltd
(BIBCOL) at its plant at Chola, Uttar Pradesh. Translational Vaccinology (INTRAVACC) a government
based institute of Netherlands will provide technical support for the development of vaccine.
INTRAVACC institute is part of Netherlands’ Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. It is internationally
renowned for vaccine development and has a long history in technology transfer.
BIBCOL is a Central Public Sector Unit (CPSU) under the Department of Biotechnology of Union
Ministry of Science & Technology.
It was established as a PSU in 1989, with the aim to achieve selfsufficiency for the nation with
respect to production and supply of high quality polio vaccine and other biologicals.
During India’s immunisation programme BIBCOL had supplied billions of doses of oral polio vaccine
and had played a major role in making India polio free.
Doctors from Texas State of United States have done the world’s first partial skull and scalp
transplant from a human donor.
This rare medical feat which opens new frontier in transplant surgery was achieved by team of
Doctors from Houston Methodist Hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The recipient patient was Jim Boysen, a 55yearold software developer who had suffered a large
head wound from cancer treatment
In a 15hour transplant operation about a dozen doctors and 40 other health workers were involved.
In this operation, Boysen was given a capshaped, 25by25 centimeter (10by10inch) skull graft,
and a 38centimeter (15inch)wide scalp graft.
This transplanted part extends from patients forehead across the top of his head and over its crown.
It ends 2.5 centimeters above one ear and 5 centimeters above the other.
It should be noted that in 2014 doctors in the Netherlands had replaced most of a woman’s skull with
a 3D printed plastic one.
Prominent scientist Ameenah GuribFakim was sworn in as President of Mauritius.
With this she became first woman to become President of Indian Ocean island nation which is a
ceremonial position.
Ameenah GuribFakim is an alumnus of the universities of Exeter and Surrey of United Kingdom. She
is also the chair of organic chemistry at Mauritius University.
She is internationally renowned biodiversity scientist and biologist Ameenah GuribFakim as their new
President.
She had worked with the World Bank and other international institutions. She also had served as the
Managing Director of Centre International de Développement Pharmaceutique (CIDP) Research &
Innovation.
Ameenah had authored numerous academic and research papers. She has received several
accolades and honours including Laureate for the L’OrealUNESCO Women in Science Award for
Africa (2007), African Union Award for ‘Women in Science’ for the Easter African Region (2009) etc.
India has lost a poultry case against United States at World Trade Organization (WTO) after WTO’s
Dispute Settlement Board (DSB) ruled that India’s ban on import of poultry meat, eggs and live pigs
from US is inconsistent with the international norms.
What is this case?
India had banned imports of various agriculture products including poultry meat and eggs from the
US in 2007. These poultry products were banned as a precautionary measure to prevent
outbreaks of Avian Influenza and bird flu fears.
In March 2012, US had dragged India to the WTO for banning these products and had contended
India’s import prohibition saying that it was not based on the relevant international standard or on
a scientific risk assessment.
Earlier in October 2014 WTO Appellate Body had ruled in favour of US and clearly mentioned that
India’s ban measures are arbitrarily and unjustifiably discrimination on international trade and
constitutes a disguised restriction on it.
India had challenged WTO’s this ruling and had appealed to the Dispute Settlement Board (DSB)
of the WTO.
With this WTO ruling, US which is one of the world’s largest exporters of chicken meat will be able to
export their poultry products to Indian market without any trade barriers.
This will help US farmers and poultry industry to supply their products to Indian broiler meat
consumers which has increased to 3.72 million tonnes in 2014 from 3.45 million tonnes in 2013.
India and Belarus signed six agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation. The agreements were
signed in presence of President Pranab Mukherjee during his state visit to Belarus.
President Pranab Mukherjee is on two nation’s tour viz Sweden and Belarus. The tour had started
from Sweden on 31 May 2015 and later in Belarus on 3 June.
The signed agreements are
Roadmap for IndiaBelarus Cooperation: for strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation
in the field of trade, culture and other areas.
Protocol to amendment: To amend the agreement between two countries for the Avoidance of
Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on
Property (Capital) of September, 1997.
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Standardization and Information Support: It was signed
between Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the State Committee for Standardization of the
Republic of Belarus.
MoU for cooperation on Broadcasting: It was signed between Prasar Bharati (PB) and the
National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus (Belteleradiocompany).
MoU on Bilateral Cooperation between the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the
Ministry of Finance of Belarus.
MoU for Manufacturing and Marketing of Light Industry Goods (concern Bellegprom): It
was signed between the Union Ministry of Textiles of India and the Belarusian State.
Renowned biochemist Irwin Rose who was awarded 2004 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering
molecule Ubiquitin passed away. He was 88.
He had shared this noble prize with Aaron Ciechanover and Avram Hershko.
Discovery of Ubiquitin
Rose, Ciechanover and Hershko had discovered a molecule called Ubiquitin which destroys or
cleans up unwanted proteins.
This discovery had served as the basis for developing new therapies for diseases such as cervical
cancer and cystic fibrosis which are caused by failure of the cleanup mechanism.
The Ubiquitin molecule is also involved in repairing faulty DNA and quality control of newly made
proteins.
It should be noted that each human cell contains around100,000 different proteins, which carry out
different jobs such as speeding up chemical reactions and acting as signals etc.
About Irwin Rose
Rose was born on July 16, 1926 in New York, United States.
He had spent much of his career as a researcher at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia,
US.
His Nobelwinning work was done in this cancer centre in late 1970s and early 1980s.
Bangladesh has granted permission to India’s stateowned insurance group Life insurance
Corporation (LIC) to do business in the country.
It was announced by M Shefaq Ahmed, Chairman of Bangladesh Insurance Development and
Regulatory Authority (IDRA).
LIC will start its operations in Bangladesh as a joint venture (JV) entity to be called LIC Bangladesh
Ltd with a paid up capital of one billion Taka.
In this JV entity LIC will hold half of the amount while the rest would be owed by its Bangladeshi
partners. The capital will be raised from the Bangladesh’s capital market and local entrepreneurs.
Earlier in 2013, Bangladesh IRDA had rejected LIC’s proposal to operate in the country citing small
capital base.
It should be noted that LIC will be the second foreign insurance company to operate in Bangladesh
after the USbased MetLifeALICO.
LIC has been in the insurance business for six decades after it was established in 1956. It was
established after Indian Parliament had enacted Life Insurance of India Act, 1956 for nationalising the
private insurance industry in India.
Presently, LIC is worth over 15,000 billion Indian rupees and operates in Nepal, Sri Lanka and
Singapore apart from India.
Edward Snowden, former US security contractor and electronic surveillance whistleblower has been
awarded a Norwegian prize for freedom of expression (also known as Bjornson Prize).
The award was bestowed upon him by the Norwegian Academy of Literature and Freedom of
Expression for his work protecting privacy and for shining a critical light on US surveillance of its
citizens and others.
In 2013, Snowden had uncovered the most extensive US global electronic surveillance programmes
carried out by National Security Agency (NSA). Presently, he is leaving his exile in Russia.
Earlier, Snowden was awarded Sweden’s Right Livelihood Award in 2014 but chose to accept it by
video link. He was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for the second year in a row.
About Norwegian prize for freedom of expression
Norwegian prize for freedom of expression is also known as Bjornson Prize named after a
Norwegian Nobel literature laureate.
It is given by Norwegian Academy of Literature and Freedom of Expression which promote
understanding of cultures other than our own and for literary free speech.
The award carries cash prize of 100,000 kroner (approximately US 14950 dollars).
Two people have died of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in South Korea making it
country’s first fatalities from the disease.
The first victim was a 58yearold woman who had contact with the original case, a South Korean
who visited the Middle East and second one is of a 71yearold man.
So far, 25 confirmed cases of MERS virus have detected in South Korea and around 680 people who
might have come into contact with the infected patients, have been placed in isolation.
Facts about Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
MERS belongs to the family of coronaviruses which includes large family of viruses such as
common cold and Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
It was discovered in 2012 and was mostly centred in Saudi Arabia.
Source: MERS is a betacoronavirus derived from bats. Camels have shown to have antibodies to
MERS, but the exact source of infection in camels has not been identified.
Transmission: It can be transmitted from infected person to others after close contact via a
respiratory route. It spread’s in droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms: fever, breathing problems, pneumonia and kidney failure.
Treatment: Till date there is no vaccine available to prevent it. However intensive medical care
can help patient to breath.
World NoTobacco Day (WNTD) is observed every year across the world on 31 May.
This day highlights the health risks associated with consumption all forms of tobacco and advocating
for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.
WNTD 2015, calls on countries to work together to end the illicit trade of tobacco products which is a
major global concern including for health, legal and economic, governance and corruption.
Goals of the WNTD 2015 campaign
Raise awareness on the harm to people’s health caused by the illicit trade in tobacco products.
Promote: Health care gains and programmes, tobacco control policies like increased tax and
prices, pictorial health warnings and other measures to curb illicit trade in tobacco products.
Demonstrate: How the tobacco industry has been involved in the illicit trade of tobacco products.
Highlight: How the illicit trade of tobacco products finances criminal groups for organised crime
activities including drugs, human and arms trafficking as well as terrorism.
Ratification of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products by all Parties to the WHO
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to curb illicit trade.
Each year, global tobacco epidemic kills nearly around 6 million people of which more than 6 lakh are
nonsmokers who die from breathing secondhand smoke.
Background
In 1988, WHO’s World Health Assembly had passed a resolution calling for the celebration of
World No Tobacco Day, every year on May 31.
Since then, the WHO has supported World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) every year, linking each year
to a different tobaccorelated theme.
WNTD is one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by the WHO.
United States (US) in a landmark decision has removed Cuba from its list of State Sponsor of
Terrorism. In this regard US secretary of state John Kerry has signed an order removing Cuba from
the terrorism blacklist.
This decision will pave the way for normalizing and strengthening ties between both countries which
were frozen for half a century after the Cuban missile crisis in 1962.
United States decision for rescission of Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism comes
after an assessment which indicates that Cuba meets the statutory criteria for rescission. This move
eliminates a major obstacle toward restoring diplomatic ties after 54 years of between both nations
and allows Cuba to conduct banking in US along with among other activities.
Background
In December 2014, after both countries had agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties. Later in same
month US President Barack Obama had instructed the Secretary of State to immediately launch a
review of Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
He was asked to provide a report regarding Cuba’s support for international terrorism within six
months.
In April 2015, Kerry completed that review and recommended to the President that Cuba no longer
be designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
According to recently released United Nations (UN) annual hunger report titled The State of Food
Insecurity in the World 2015, India was placed at top in the World Hunger list.
The report has mentioned that India is home to the highest number of hungry people in the world
with around 194 million people, surpassing China.
The report was published by UN subsidiary body Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Top ten countries: India (194.6), China (133.8), Pakistan (41.4), Ethiopia (31.6), Bangladesh
(26.3), Indonesia (19.4), Tanzania (16.8), Philippines (13.7), Nigeria (12.9) and North Korea
(10.5). Note: (population is million).
At global level: The corresponding figures have dropped to 795 million in 201415 compared to 1
billion in 199092.
In this case with East Asia led by China accounted for most of the reductions.
India: It has shown reduction between 15 years timespan form 1990 to 2015.
In 199092, in Indian those who were starved of food were numbered around 210.1 million. It
came down to 194.6 million in 201415.
India’s numerous social programmes and schemes have made great strides in reducing the
proportion of food insecure persons in the overall population.
These schemes are expected to continue to fight hunger and poverty.
China: It was able to achieve reduction in the number of hungry people which was much higher
than in India.
China’s figures came down to 133.8 million in 201415 compared to 289 million in 199092.
Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target: 72 out of 129 countries monitored by FAO have
achieved the MDG target of halving the prevalence of undernourishment by 2015.
The overall analysis of the report had suggested that inclusive economic growth, social protection
and agricultural investments along with political stability has played important role in eradication of
hunger.
Nobel peace prize winning organisation OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons) has achieved major milestone of destroying 90 per cent of the global chemical weapons
stockpile.
OPCW has mentioned that around 65,000 metric tonnes of declared chemical weapons, mostly from
US and Russian arsenals of cold war era have been destroyed in a safe manner. It also includes total
of 1,300 metric tonnes of chemical weapons removed from Syria in 2014.
The remaining stockpile is underway in phase of destruction and is scheduled to be completed before
the end of 2020 and 2023. The weapons stockpiles included caches containing chemicals needed to
make deadly nerve agents like Sarin.
About Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
OPCW is an intergovernmental organisation, headquatered in Hague, Netherlands.
The organisation promotes, administers and verifies the adherence to the Convention on the
Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on
their Destruction (CWC).
This convention outlaws the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons and their
precursors.
190 memberstates have signed and ratified this convention including India. Six states Angola,
Egypt, Israel, Myanmar, North Korea and South Sudan are still outside the CWC.
It was awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.
Indian origin businessman and diplomat S Chandra Das was appointed as Resident High
Commissioner to Sri Lanka by Singapore Government.
Earlier, Das had served as served as Singapore’s Trade Representative in the USSR erstwhile Soviet
Union from 1970 to 1972.
He also had served as Singapore’s Ambassador to Turkey from 2006 to 2015. He also was Member
of Parliament (MP) of Singapore from 1980 to 1996
Presently he is the Managing Director (MD) of NUR Investment & Trading private limited of Singapore
and also is a Director of a number of other companies.
He has over 40 years of rich experience primarily in companies involved in the trading and
manufacturing industries. He also had served as the First Chairman of the Singapore Trade
Development Board.
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted a resolution on the protection of
journalists in conflict zones.
The resolution has urged member nations, governments and armed groups to take appropriate steps
in order to ensure accountability for crimes committed against journalists, media professionals in
situations of armed conflict.
It also condemns attacks on journalists and affirms the work of a free, independent and impartial
media as it constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society.
The resolution also called for the immediate and unconditional release of reporters who are held as
hostages in conflict zones.
UNSC resolution comes after the number of deaths and kidnappings cases of media professionals
continues to increase.
In 2014, 66 journalists were killed and since January 2015, 25 more have died. In the last decade,
700 media workers were killed in the conflict zones.
Influential documentary photographer Mary Ellen Mark passed away in Manhattan, New York. She
was 75
She was bestknown for her humanist work and was one of the premier documentary photographers
of her generation.
In her career she had photographed people who were mainly away from mainstream society.
Her work had appeared in numerous magazine including Life, New York Times Magazine, Rolling
Stone and Vanity Fair.
Mark‘s work was published into 18 collections most famous among them was Streetwise and Ward
81. Her work was exhibited at galleries and museums worldwide.
She had received numerous accolades for her work including three Robert F. Kennedy Journalism
Awards, three fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts.
In 2014 she was awarded Lifetime Achievement in Photography Award from the George Eastman
House and the Outstanding Contribution Photography Award from the World Photography
Organisation.
An ancient aqueduct dating back 2,000 years ago was unearthed near Har Homa in in East
Jerusalem city of Israel.
The discovered lower aqueduct was used in ancient times to transport water into the city of
Jerusalem.
Key facts
Constructed during the rule of kings in the Hasmonean dynasty (140 B.C. to 37 B.C). It was one of
Jerusalem’s principal sources of water.
It is 21 km long with starting point located at the En ‘Eitam spring, near Solomon’s Pools, south of
Bethlehem.
Water through it flowed down a gentle slope to Jerusalem, passing through the Israel’s modern
day cities of Umm Tuba, Sur Bahar, East Talpiot and Abu Tor.
During the Ottoman period, around 500 years ago a terra cotta pipe was installed inside the
channel in order to protect the water.
Apart from this, other sections of the extensive aqueduct were unearthed in the past in
Armon HaNatziv tunnels located in the City of David.
Around the Sultan’s Pool along the west side of Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
On the Sherover promenade in southern Jerusalem.
Russian government officially has enacted a law banning undesirable nongovernmental
organisations (NGOs) in the country.
The law came into force after President Vladimir Putin signed the bill in this regard after it was passed
by both houses of the Russian parliament.
The newly enacted law allows government authorities to
Prosecute foreign NGOs or firms designated as undesirable on national security grounds.
Individuals working for such NGOs could face up to six years in prison or fines.
Barr foreign NGOs employees from the country.
Ban Russian citizens or groups that have involvement or are engaged with such undesirable
foreign NGOs.
The definition of undesirable in this case can be considered as threat to Russia’s defence capabilities
or constitutional foundations.
China has set up a gold sector fund involving 65 countries along the ancient Silk Road. It has been
set up in China’s northwest Xi’an city during ongoing forum on investment and trade.
The fund will be led by Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE) and is expected to raise 16.1 billion dollars in
three phases. It should be noted that it is the largest fund set up by China in the gold sector.
Around 60 countries which fall along the routes of 21stCentury Maritime Silk Road (MSR) and Silk
Road Economic Belt have invested in the fund.
This fund will facilitate gold purchase for the central banks of member states to increase their
holdings of the precious metal. It will be also invested in gold mining in countries along the Silk Road
and also to increase exploration in countries such as Afghanistan and Kazakhstan
At present, China is the world’s largest gold producer and also a major importer and consumer of
gold. But its share in international gold trade is very small and does not have a big say in gold pricing.
By setting up this fund China is seeking to increase the influence of its domestic currency Renminbi
(RMB) in the international gold pricing by opening the domestic gold market to international investors.
Tanishq Abraham, 11yearold IndianAmerican child prodigy created a record by graduating from
California College with three associate degrees in science, maths and foreign language studies.
He is native of Sacramento, California and youngest to graduate from the American River College
(ARC), in Sacramento, California.
In 2014, he also had created a record by becoming one of the youngest ever in the US to graduate
high school.
Earlier in March 2014, he had passed a state exam which had certified him having appropriate
academic standards to receive his high school diploma.
Tanishq is homeschooled since the age of seven. At the age of four he had joined MENSA, the
prominent and oldest high IQ society in the world.
Two Indian peacekeepers have been chosen posthumously for United Nation’s Dag Hammarskjold
Medal. They are Lance Naik Nand Ram and Raju Joseph.
Both of them are among the 126 police, military and civilian personnel who have been posthumously
awarded a prestigious UN medal.
They have been chosen for this award for their courage and sacrifice while serving in UN
peacekeeping operations in 2014 and lost their lives as a result of hostile acts, accidents and
disease. They will be presented with this medal on May 29, 2015 i.e. on the International Day of
United Nations Peacekeepers.
Lance Naik Nand Ram had served with the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). While, Raju Joseph had served in a civilian capacity with the UN
Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
About Dag Hammarskjold Medal
Established in December 2000.
Awarded posthumously to members of peacekeeping operations who lost their lives during service
with a peacekeeping operation under the operational control and authority of the United Nations.
Named after second UN Secretary General and Swedish diplomat Dag Hammarskjold (In office:
from 1953 to 1961).
Hammarskjold had died in a mysterious plane crash in 1961. He was posthumously awarded
Nobel Peace Prize the year he died (exceptional case).
In 2014, eight Indian soldiers had posthumously received the medal.
Republic of Ireland on 23 May 2015 became first country in the world to constitutionally legalise
samesex marriage.
The referendum on this issue to amend country’s written constitution was passed with a resounding
62.1 per cent ‘Yes’. Off the total voter turnout of 60.5 per cent, 1,201,607 people voted in favour of
samesex marriage, while 734,300 voted against it.
Ireland has a written constitution which can only be amended by referendum. With this passage of
samesex marriage referendum, now Irish constitution gives equal status to marriage between two
people of the same sex as compared to a marriage between a man and a woman.
Now in Ireleand same sex married persons will be recognised as a family and will be entitled to the
constitutional protection and their rights.
United Nation Security Council (UNSC) on 23 May 2015 adopted a resolution calling for stronger
cooperation among member nations in stemming the illicit transfer and misuse of small arms and
light weapons.
UNSC resolution comes in wake of underlining suffering caused by small arms and light weapons to
civilians.
The resolution was passed nine votes favour of it and none against it, while six were abstentions.
Key facts of adopted resolution
Objective: Preventing of illicit transfers and sales of weapons and ammunition, including small
arms and light weapons, to armed groups and criminal networks that target civilians.
Identified areas: The resolution identifies a wide range of areas for international cooperation
which can bolster the recognition it.
It includes importance of welltargeted and monitored sanctions regimes, effective reintegration
and demobilisation programmes, appropriate UN peacekeeping mandates and security sector
reform.
The resolution also advocates establishment or strengthening of subregional and regional
mechanisms to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit transfer and misuse of small arms and
small arms.
The asks member nations to effectively control the production of small arms within their jurisdiction
and their export, import, transit or retransfer by laws, rules and administrative procedures.
Two strong 6.8 magnitude earthquakes had strike the Solomon Islands in Pacific Ocean on 23 May
2015.
The first quake had hit at a depth of 10 km and the second one hit at a shallow depth just 448
kilometres from the capital Honiara. Hawaiibased Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has mentioned
that there was no threat of a Pacificwide tsunami from the tremors caused by this earthquake.
Solomon Islands are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire which is a zone of live tectonic activity known for
its frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
The Islands had faced a worst earthquake of 8.0magnitude in 2013 and was hit by a tsunami after it,
leaving at least 10 people dead and thousands homeless.
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants have taken complete control of the ancient Syrian city
of Palmyra. The city is a UNESCO designated World Heritage site and home to some of the world’s
most magnificent ancient ruins.
With the seizure of entire ancient city, there are fears that the militants will destroy the ancient ruins
as there is no presence of government troops who had entirely withdrawn from the city following an
IS advance.
It should be noted that the ancient ruins are situated in a strategically important area on the road
between Syria’s capital Damascus and the contested eastern city of Deir alZour.
From the oil and gas fields located in Deir alZour, Syrian government uses it to generate electricity
for areas under its control in the west of the country.
Earlier in March 2015, the militants had demolished several ancient sites that predate Islam in Iraq,
including UNESCO World Heritage Sites Hatra and Nimrud.
Some facts
Ancient ruins of Palmyra dates back to the first and second Century when it was under Roman
rule.
Palmyra was once a Silk Road hub and one of the cultural centres of the ancient world.
The city occupies mythological status in Syria and is home to some of the most beautiful and well
preserved ruins of antiquity, including the Temple of Bel, built in 1st century.
Akhil Amar, an IndianAmerican professor from Yale University has been appointed as a member of
the prestigious National Council on Humanities of US by President Barack Obama.
Presently, he is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at the Yale University.
Since 1985, he was also professor at both Yale College and Yale Law School. He had held various
posts of professorships, including Southmayd Professor (19932008), Professor (19901993),
Associate Professor (19881990) and Assistant Professor (19851988).
Akhil Amar also had worked as a law clerk (19841985) to Judge Stephen Breyer, then of the US
Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
He was coeditor of ‘Processes of Constitutional Decisionmaking’, constitutional law casebook. Apart
from this he also had written several other books on constitutional law.
Amar is a member of the Board of Directors of the Coalition of Freedom Advisory Board of the
National Constitution Center and Constitutional Accountability Center.
In 2007, he was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and in 2000 was
named a Senior Scholar by the National Constitution Center. He holds a BA degree from Yale College
and a JD from Yale Law School.
Tech giant Apple has acquired Global Position System (GPS) firm Coherent Navigation to improve its
mapping capabilities.
Coherent Navigation’s technology will be used by Apple to significantly enhance its Apple Maps
product which is struggling to provide accurate location information.
Coherent Navigations is a company focused on hyperaccurate GPS and its navigation system
provides accurate location information to within a few centimeters. The company also specializes in
highprecision GPS technogy, which combines standard GPS data with data from the Iridium satellite
communications constellation for pin point accuracy.
It should be noted that in 2012 Apple Maps was phased out by Google Maps which had attracted a
wide range of audience to their service.
The acquisition is also part of a series of maprelated technology deals made by Apple in recent
years. Earlier, Apple acquired mapping startups Embark, HopStop.com and BroadMap. All of these
mapping startups were acquired by Apple in order to create its own alternative to Google Maps for
the mapping feature on its devices.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its recent report titled Act Local, Solve Global: The $5.3 Trillion
Energy Subsidy Problem has voiced alarm about energy subsidies across the world.
The report has clearly mentioned that theenergy subsidies across the world are expected to reach
5.3 trillion dollars in 2015, more than government health spending.
The rising subsidy figures are among the largest negative factors for economic growth which is
piling up adverse effects on efficiency, growth and inequality.
2015 energy subsidies will represent 6.5 per cent of the global economy, likely exceeding
government health spending across the world.
China is the largest spender on energy subsidies and spends around 2.3 trillion dollars a year,
followed by the United States at 699 billion dollars and Russia at 335 billion dollars.
While India spends 277 billion dollars, Japan spends 157 billion dollars and European Union (EU)
spends around 330 billion dollars.
Overall energy subsidies had more than doubled since 2011 which had amounted to 2 trillion
dollars i.e. 2.9 percent of the world’s gross domestic product.
It has damaging effects on air quality and health, such as premature deaths due to global
warming.
By getting energy prices right can help national governments achieve their goals not only for the
environment but also for inclusive growth and sound public finances.
Definition of energy subsidies: The IMF report defined energy subsidies as the difference
between the amount of money consumers pay for energy and its true costs, plus a country’s normal
sales or valueadded tax rate.
In addition, the true costs include environmental effects like carbon emissions that lead to global
warming and the health effects.
India assumed the presidency of the 68th World Health Assembly (WHA) held in Geneva after a gap
of 19 years.
The 68th WHA session began on 18 May 2015 and it will conclude on 27 May 2015. The WHA
session is presided by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda who is also leading the highlevel
Indian delegation to the Assembly.
This edition of assembly is expected to deliberate on key issues of global interest that include
Antimicrobial resistance.
Air pollution and health
Global health emergency, preparedness and surveillance.
Global strategy and plan of action on public health.
Innovation and intellectual property.
Research and development in neglected tropical diseases.
About World Health Assembly (WHA)
WHA is the world’s highest health policy setting body and the top decisionmaking body of the
World Health Organisation (WHO).
It is governed by WHO’s 194 member state and generally composed of health ministers from
member states.
The first WHA assembly was held in 1948.
India and South Korea have signed 7 agreements /MoUs to enhance bilateral relations.
The agreements were signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s last leg of three nation tour viz
China, Mongolia and South Korea.
Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with
Respect to Taxes on Income It was signed in lines with the Double Taxation Avoidance
Convention (DTAC) signed between both nations in 1985. It revises previous convention with a
view to avoid the burden of double taxation on taxpayers in the two countries.
Cooperation in AudioVisual CoProduction It will boost opportunities for collaboration
between both countries in film industries sector and facilitate collaboration, exchange and co
production of films, animation and broadcasting programmes.
MoU for Cooperation between the India’s National Security Council and Korea’s Office of
National Security It will formalize consultations between the structures of National Security
Council of both nations in a number of areas.
MoU for cooperation in the field of Electric Power Development and New Energy
Industries It envisages cooperation in areas of electric power development and new energy
industries. It basically includes areas such as smart grids and power information and technology,
renewable energy, transmission and distribution of electric power, energy efficiency and storage
system.
MoU on Cooperation in Youth Matters It will encourage and strengthen cooperation on youth
matters through participation. It will basically enhance participation through international
conferences, exchanges, youth camps, seminars, festivals etc.
Framework of Cooperation in the Field of Road Transport and Highways– It envisages
cooperation in areas such as road policies, construction and design, road operation, management
and safety, electronic toll collection systems and intelligent transport systems.
MOU in the Fields of Maritime Transport and Logistics It envisages cooperation between the
two countries in the fields of maritime transport and logistics. It will include sharing of information,
technologies and experiences, exchange of experts and port operations, training of seafarers etc.
Apart from signing these agreements both nations also issued Joint Statement for Special Strategic
Partnership.
Harkeert Singh Saini, an IndianAmerican policeman has been awarded the prestigious Top Civilian
Supervisor of the Year.
He was conferred with award for his efficient services to the Houston Police department in the state
of Texas of United States. He received this award from Houston Mayor Anise Parker and Police Chief
Charles A McClelland.
Saini hails from Hoshiarpur district of Punjab and is a graduate from Deshbandu College in New
Delhi.
He had settled in Houston in 1998 and joined Houston Police Department in March 2000. In his 15
years of service he was subsequently promoted as an office supervisor.
Pope Francis has canonized Marie Alphonsine Ghattas and Mariam Bawardy from Palestine.
The canonization ceremony was held in Vatican’s St Peter’s Square and was attended by Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas and over 2,000 Christian pilgrims from the region.
Both of them are 19th Century nuns who lived in Ottomanruled Palestine. They are also are the first
Arabicspeaking Catholic saints to Canonized.
Sister MarieAlphonsine Danil Ghattas was founder of the Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of
Jerusalem and Maryam Baouardy had founded a Carmelite convent in Bethlehem. It should be noted
that this move is seen as a token of Vatican support for dwindling Christian communities in the Middle
East.
Note: Cannonisation is the act by which the Catholic Church or Eastern Orthodox Church declares a
deceased person as a saint. After canonization the person acquires the title of Saint.
United Nations (UN) has adopted a resolution in order to call attention of international community to
urgently assist Nepal and help rebuild the country after it was hit by devastating earthquake.
The resolution was led by India and was cosponsored by 65 other nations including Bangladesh,
Afghanistan, Australia, Japan, China, Germany, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan UK and the US.
It was adopted by consensus at the United Nations during a special 193member General Assembly
session. In the resolution UN has appealed to help raise US $ 423 million over the next three months
in order to meet essential needs of Nepal earthquake survivors.
The relief funds collected help rebuild the country and support the victims of the massive 7.8
magnitude quake that had struck Nepal on 25 April 2015 in which more than 8,200 people died.
Ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi was sentenced to death by Cairo court for his part in a
mass jailbreak in 2011.
Now, country’s religious authorities will have to give their opinion before the sentence can be carried
out.
Morsi who is leader Muslim Brotherhood Party was earlier sentenced to 20 years in jail for was on
charges of espionage for his involvement in ordering the arrest and torture of protesters during his
time in power.
He was Egypt’s first freely elected president after the military rule under Hosni Mubarak came to end
in 2011.
In July 2013, he was ousted by the military after days of mass street protests by Egyptians
demanding his removal because of his divisive policies.
After he was overthrown, the military led government had suppressed the Muslim Brotherhood
movement and thousands of its supporters were arrested including Mohammed Morsi.
The Muslim Brotherhood movement was at its peak during Mohammed Morsi stint as President and
had resulted in deaths of hundreds of people and thousands were imprisoned illegally.
Dr. Sivanadane Mandjiny, an IndianAmerican Professor in US is named UNC Pembroke’s recipient of
the UNC Board of Governors 2015 Award for Excellence in Teaching.
He will receive this award along with each professor of the other 16 UNC campuses. The award
carries commemorative bronze and US $ 12,500 cash prize.
Presently, he is a Chemistry professor at the University of North Carolina. He had joined University’s
Department of Chemistry and Physics in 1996 as a teaching associate.
Sivanadane Mandjiny is native of Tamil Nadu. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering
from the University of Madras and a master’s degree in biochemical engineering from the IIT.
He also holds a second master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Toronto and a
PhD from the Universite de Technologie de Compiegne in France. Mandjiny’s has studied in four
languages Hindi, Tamil, French and English.
Indianorigin Member of Parliament (MP) Priti Patel was appointed as Minister of State (MoS) for
Employment in the David Cameron led United Kingdom Government.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has also promoted her to his Cabinet.
As the new Minister of State for Employment in the Department of Work and Pensions, she will attend
all Cabinet members as the seniormost Indianorigin member.
In recently concluded 2015 UK General election, Priti Patel was reelected from Witham constituency
in Essex on Conservative Party ticket. Earlier, she was elected from same constituency in 2010.
In January 2015, she had led the British delegation in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015 and was was
awarded the Jewels of Gujarat honour at a reception in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
She was also instrumental for hosting the firstever Gujarat Foundation Day in the House of
Commons in 2014 which celebrated the achievements and contributions of the Gujarati community in
the UK and around the world.
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated Namaste Russia, a festival of Indian culture in Moscow
during the last leg of his tour in Russia.
Namaste Russia will be six month long festival i.e. form May to November 2015. The festival seeks to
enthrall the Russian audience with cultural events from India.
The festival is being hosted under the patronage of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and
Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. Russian State Concert Company SODRUZHESTVO
and Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre at the Embassy of India in Moscow are the organisers of the
festival.
As part of the inauguration of this festival, Kathak dance performance was given by a team of
dancers choreographed by Padma Bhushan Kumudini Lakhia.
This festival seeks to enhance and boost cultural bonds that build solid bridges of friendship and
understanding between peoples of both countries.
The festival will be toured in various regions in Russia that will help people living in different regions
of Russia to deepen their engagement with contemporary and classical Indian Culture. As part of this
festival, an exhibition of Indian painting and sculpture will be also organized.
World Health Organization (WHO), a U.N. health agency has declared Liberia Ebolafree.
WHO has hailed Liberia’s Ebola eradication efforts as an enormous development in the long crisis
and monumental achievement as the virus has killed more than 4,716 people in the country alone.
Now, Liberia’s neighbous Guinea and Sierra Leone are only two countries fighting to stop Ebola
outbreak since it began in December 2013.
Criteria for declaring a nation Ebolafree
WHO can declare a country Ebola free, if no new cases are reported over two incubation periods of
virus i.e. 21 days.
In case of Liberia, no new cases of Ebola were reported in past 42 days i.e. twice the number of days
the virus requires to incubate. The last confirmed death in Liberia was reported on 27 March 2015.
Impact of Ebola
The current outbreak is the deadliest in history. It was initially centred on Guinea’s remote south
eastern region of Nzerekore in early 2014 and later had spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone. Liberia
was worst hit among the western African nations in this outbreak.
As per WHO, the number of deaths from the Ebola epidemic till date exceeds 11,000. In Sierra Leone
3,903 have died and 2,386 have died in Guinea.
North Korea successfully conducted underwater testfire of a newly developed submarinelaunched
ballistic missile.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un gave the order to testfire the missile and oversaw the testlaunch
from a location offshore.
This successful test indicates the progress in the secretive state’s pursuit of building missileequipped
submarines which is described as a world level strategic weapon.
It will also enhance North Korean nuclear threat to a new level as it will allow deployment of these
submarines far beyond the Korean peninsula.
It should be noted that North Korea is under United Nations sanctions and is banned from developing
or using ballistic missile technology.
Presently, North Korea possesses small submarine fleet that comprises largely obsolete Sovietera
and modified Chinese submarine vessels.
A record number of 10 Indianorigin Members of Parliament (MPs) were elected in recently
concluded general election that elected 56th Parliament of the UK.
It has broken the previous 2010 general election record in which eight Indianorigin were elected.
Following are the elected Indianorigin candidatesConservative Party:
Priti Patel won from Witham constituency.
Rishi Sunak won from Richmond (Yorks) constituency. He is soninlaw of Infosys cofounder
Narayana Murthy.
Alok Sharma won from Reading West constituency.
Shailesh Vara won from Cambridgeshire Northwest constituency.
Suella Fernandes won from Fareham constituency.
Labour Party:
Keith Vaz won from Leicester East constituency.
Valerie Vaz won from Walsall South constituency.
Virendra Sharma won from Ealing Southall constituency.
Seema Malhotra won from south west London constituency.
Lisa Nandy won from Wigan constituency.
Mhairi Black at the age of 20 became the youngest elected Member of Parliament (MP) in United
Kingdom in over 300 years.
She was elected as MP to House of Commons i.e. lower house of UK Parliament from Paisley and
Renfrewshire South constituency in Glasgow, Scotland.
Mhairi Black represents Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP). In this general election she defeated Labour
Party’s election chief and a former Cabinet minister Douglas Alexander by over 6000 votes by gaining
total 17864 votes.
Mhairi Black is student at the University of Glasgow and currently in her final year of a Politics and
Public Policy degree.
It should be noted that, in 1667 Christopher Monck, Earl of Torrington at the age 13 was the
youngest the MP in United Kingdom.
In the 2015 United Kingdom Parliamentary elections, Prime Minister David Cameron led Conservative
Party has won the election.
Conservative Party by winning 331 seats out of total 650 seats in House of Commons has emerged
single largest party in this general election.
Conservative Party received 36.9% vote share of the total national vote. With this win, David
Cameron will become Prime Minister for second term.
Labour Party has won 232 seats with 30.4% vote share, emerging as largest opposition party.
Scottish National Party (SNP) has emerged third largest party in this election by winning 56 seats with
9% of vote share. SNP has won 56 seats of the 59 seats from Scotland.
Background
In general elections, voting takes place in all parliamentary constituencies across the country to
elect Members of Parliament (MPs) of House of Commons i.e. the lower house of Parliament.
2015 United Kingdom general election was held on 7 May 2015 to elect the 56th Parliament of the
United Kingdom.
In this election the voter turnout was around 66.1%.
India and Iran have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the
strategically important Chabahar Port in Iran.
The MoU was signed by Minister for Shipping and Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and
his Iranian counterpart Minister for Transport and Urban Development Abbas Ahmad Akhoundi in
Tehran, Iran.
Key facts of MoU
By signing of MoU Indian and Iranian commercial entities will be able to commence negotiations
for finalization of a commercial contract.
Under the contract, Indian firms will lease two existing berths at the Chabahar Port and
operationalize them as container and multipurpose cargo terminals.
Importance of Chabahar Port
The port is strategically located in SistanBalochistan Province on Iran’s southeastern coast. It
will act as strategic utility for India.
It will also help India to save transportation costs as it will be used to ship crude oil and urea.
India will get sealand access route to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.
Thus it will open opportunities for Indian companies to explore Afghanistan’s mineral wealth,
believed to be worth $13 trillion, for mutual benefit.
The availability of functional container and cargo terminal at the port will provide Afghanistan’s
garland road network system alternate access to a sea port.
It will also enhance Afghanistan’s overall connectivity to regional and global markets significantly.
Thus provide a fillip to the ongoing reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in the country.
The French Parliament has approved a surveillance law that strengthens the intelligence services of
the country to prevent terrorist attacks.
This law was adopted in the French Parliament by 438 votes to 86. This law was drafted by French
Government three days after terrorist attack on Paris based satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo attack in
January 2015 in which 17 people were killed.
This law on intelligencegathering was drafted by taking into account the need for surveillance
mechanism that can adopt with changes in communications technology.
The new law defines the purposes for which secret intelligencegathering may be used. It also sets
up a new supervisory body named National Commission for Control of Intelligence Techniques
(CNCTR).
The surveillance law gives the CNCTR and government agencies wider rules of operation and also
authorizes new methods, such as the bulk collection of metadata via internet providers without
judicial permission from judges.
Affairs Today
The French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo was presented a Freedom of Expression Courage
award from the PEN American Center.
Editorinchief Gerard Biard and criticessayist of Charlie Hebdo, JeanBaptiste Thoret accepted the
award at a function held at the American Museum of Natural History.
The satirical magazine was recognized for this award by PEN American Centre as 12 of its staff
members had died during January 2015 terrorist attack on its Paris based office.
About Charlie Hebdo
Charlie Hebdo is a weekly French satirical news magazine.
It is being published since 1970 and had break between 1981 and 1992.
The magazine is mainly known for its controversial provocative cartoons and caricatures that had
targeted extreme right, Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, politics, culture and others.
Stephane Charbonnier, editor of the magazine had described the magazine as leftwing, secular
and atheist.
It should be noted that PEN American Centre (Founded in 1922) is an association of around 4000
United States writers. These writers are working to break down barriers for free expression
worldwide. These distinguished writers are having high achievements in literature and in the
advancement of human rights.
The Union Cabinet has approved Constitution (119th Amendment) Bill on Land Boundary Agreement
(LBA) between India & Bangladesh.
Decision in this regard was taken in Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
in New Delhi.
The Bill seeks to operationalize the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh by exchanging
several enclaves located along the common border of both nations.
The territories involved in the exchange are located in the North eastern states of Assam, West
Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura.
This Constitutional Amendment Bill in order to come in effect needs to be passed by Parliament and
also needs to be ratified by at least 50 per cent of the state legislatures.
Background
The Constitution (119th Amendment) Bill, 2013 aims to ratify the LBA between India and
Bangladesh under the IndiraMujib pact of 1974 to exchange areas and people on either side of
the border.
The pact was signed on 16 May 1974 between both nations, soon after the independence of
Bangladesh in order to find a solution to the complex nature of border demarcation.
This pact was ratified by Bangladesh government in 1974. In 1974, Union Cabinet had granted
approval to this pact but was not ratified as it involved cession of territory.
In 2013 bill in regard was introduced Rajya Sabha and was subsequently referred to a select
committee headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor for recommendations. The committee had
unanimously recommended implementation of the LBA.
Lu Ping, Chinese diplomat who oversaw Hong Kong’s transition from British to Chinese sovereignty in
1997 passed away in Beijing. He was 87.
He was the China’s Chief negotiator in the years before handover and was known for his hardline
stance for this transistion.
He notoriously had called Hong Kong’s last British Governor Chris Patten (1992–1997) a sinner for a
thousand years for making the territory’s elections more democratic or his unilateral electoral reform
proposals..
Lu also had helped in drafting Hong Kong’s mini constitution. He was appointed Director of the Hong
Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) in 1990 and retired in 1997, just few days after the
handover.
He was born in Shanghai on 27 September 1927 and had graduated from St. John’s University,
Shanghai in 1947.
Michael Blake, the Oscarwinning writer of ‘Dances With Wolves’ novel passed away in Tucson,
Arizona, after a long battle with cancer. He was 69.
The novel Dances With Wolves after adapted into movie in 1990 was a major hit and had earned
Blake an Academy Award (Oscar) for the screenplay.
The movie had won seven Oscars including Best Picture category. For his script of movie he also had
won the WGA Award and Golden Globes.
Dances With Wolves was Blake’s best known novel and over 3.5 million copies were sold and was
translated into 15 languages.
Michael Blake also had written several other novels that passionately advocated for many causes,
including literacy, Native American history and the disappearing of wild horses in the West.
Some of his famous novels include The Holy Road, Airman Mortensen, Marching to Valhalla, Indian
Yell, Twelve The King. His autobiography is Like A Running Dog, which had detailed his career in
writing and Hollywood.
He was born in North Carolina and lived with his family in Texas before settling in southern California.
World’s largest flag was unfurled at an event in Ong Jmel in the southern desert area of Tunisia.
Tunisian national flag of the size of 19 football pitches was unfurled in a bid to set a Guinness World
Record and promote patriotism in the face of Islamist extremism.
In this event hundreds of Tunisian’s participated and an honour guard of troops also saluted the red
and on the sand to the strains of the national anthem.
The flag of 104,544 square metre was made using 80 kilometres of fabric and weighed arounf 12.6
tonnes.
The unfurling of world’s largest flag was the brainchild of a local textile manufacturer who had been
shocked by a 2012 incident at Manouba arts faculty outside Tunis.
In this incident a hardline student had torn down the national emblem and had replaced it with a black
Islamist flag. But fellow lady student attempted to put the national flag back up, the student assaulted
her.
Syrian journalist and rights activist Mazen Darwish was honoured with UNESCOGuillermo Cano
World Press Freedom Prize 2015.
He was bestowed with this award by the UN’s Cultural body for recognition of his work carried out in
Syria for more than 10 years at great personal sacrifice, harassment, enduring a travel ban, as well
as repeated detention and torture.
Presently he has been jailed by the Bashar alAssad’s regime. He was arrested in February 2012
along with his colleagues Hani Zaitani and Hussein Ghreir at the Syrian Centre for Media and
Freedom of Expression. All of them are accused of promoting terrorist acts.
About Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize
Established: 1997
Named in honour of a Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano Isaza, who was assassinated in front
of the offices of his newspaper, El Espectador, in Bogota in 1986.
It is an annual award given by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) on the occasion of World Press Freedom day.
Funded by the Cano Foundation (Colombia) and the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation (Finland).
The award honours a person, an institution or organisation that has made a significant
contribution to the promotion of press freedom or defence anywhere in the world.
It carries monetary award of US $25,000.
Recently published study in journal Science has found out that 1 out of 6 species on Earth could
possibly extinct by the end of the century as a result of increasing global warming if the emission of
carbon dioxide (CO2) stays the same.
The study published was titled Accelerating extinction risk from climate change and is authored by
Mark C. Urban. The study highlighted the urgency to take strong action in order to address climate
change.
Key facts from the report
16 percent of species in the world would face the risk of extinction because of climatic factors.
The endemic plants and animals of Australia, South America and New Zealand are at risk as for
they would not be able to go to other place when their only homeland becomes uninhabitable.
While, the species in North American and European regions have the lowest extinction risk due to
climate change.
The extinction risks from climate change will also accelerate for every degree rise in global
temperature if everyone didn’t act now to limit future climate change.
Climate change will affect wildlife directly and indirectly as it may lead to change in weather
patterns that may affect the food they rely on or the habitat they live in.
Renowned crime writer Ruth Rendell passed away on 2 May 2015 in London, United Kingdom. She
was 85.
She was bestknown for creation of fictional character Inspector Wexford, which was turned into a
highly successful TV series in Britain.
About Ruth Rendell
Ruth Rendell was born on 17 February 1930 in Essex, United Kingdom.
Her career as an author spanned nearly 50 years and she had written more than 60 novels in a
She was also one of Britain’s bestselling contemporary authors, also authored novels under the
penname Barbara Vine.
Her first Wexford book was From Doon with Death published in 1964.
Most of her works were translated into more than 20 languages and was adapted into cinema and
TV series which had attracted worldwide sales of 60 million.
She has authored more than 20 standalone novels that were often based on the margins of
society.
Ruth Rendell was awarded the Crime Writers’ Association Cartier Diamond Dagger for excellence
in crime writing.
World Press Freedom Day is observed on 3 May every year across the world. The theme of 2015
year is: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards better reporting, gender equality and media safety in the
digital age.
Observing this day marks an opportunity to:
Celebrate the fundamental principles to evaluate press freedom.
Assess the state of freedom of press throughout the world.
Defend the media from attacks on their independence.
Pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
Background
In December 1993, World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly
(UNGA. It was proclaimed following the recommendation adopted at 26th Session of UNESCO’s
General Conference in 1991.
This recommendation was a response to a call given by African journalists who in 1991 produced
the landmark Windhoek Declaration on media pluralism and independence.
Since then 3 May, is observed as anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek and is celebrated
worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
Philip S. Goodman, an American film, television and stage writer, producer and director passed away
on 2 May 2015 in New York, United States.
He was best known for directing the drama film We Shall Return (1963), which starred Cesar
Romero.
Goodman was born on February 20, 1926 in New York City. He had graduated from Brooklyn College
and the University of Southern California (USC).
During World War II, he had served in United States Army from 1944 to 1946.
He had written for numerous television series of the 1950s and 1960s such as Profiles in Courage,
Rocky King Detective, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Johnny Staccato. He also had directed plays at
the Actors Studio.
He also had written three episodes of National Educational Television’s “Our Vanishing Wilderness in
1970 which was one of the first series on television to focus on environmental issues.
Apart from writing for TV series and films, he also had directed TV commercials for CocaCola, RCA,
Revlon and Rheingold beer, among many others
Maya Plisetskaya, one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century from Russia passed away in
Germany. She was 89.
Plisetskaya was born in Moscow on November 20, 1925. Her ballet career spanned for more than
five decades.
She had joined the Bolshoi, a historic theatre in Moscow in 1943. Her performances had captivated
audiences around the world. In 1960, she became the Bolshoi’s prima ballerina.
Her modern choreography and performances were charged with eroticism flouted Soviet convention.
In 1983, she became one of the first Soviet celebrities allowed to work for Western dance companies
without having to defect. She was also the artistic director of the Rome Opera Ballet.
Her acclaimed roles were OdetteOdile in Swan Lake, Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty and Carmen in
Carmen Suite.
Plisetskaya had retired from stage performance at the stage age of 65 and became a choreographer
and giving master classes around the world.
Seychelles, an archipelago of 90000 inhabitants became the 161st member of the World Trade
Organization (WTO). It is one of the smallest nations among the WTO members.
This approval by WTO ended Seychelles 20year long wait to become a member of WTO since it had
applied for WTO membership in May 1995.
Seychelles also became the 33rd government to accede to the rulesbased multilateral trading
system through Article XII negotiations since the WTO was established in 1995.
The President of Seychelles, James Michel had signed the legal instrument for the island nation to
the WTO on March 25, 2015 a day after the accession protocol was ratified by the Seychelles
National Assembly.
As per the WTO rules, the 30day countdown to its WTO membership was activated on March 27,
2015 and Seychelles officially became a WTO member on April 26, 2015.
It should be noted that the Protocol of Accession was signed by former Seychelles’ Minister of Trade,
Finance and Investment Pierre Laporte and WTO Director General (DG) Roberto Azevedo.
Mohammed bin Nayef was appointed as Crown Prince and as Deputy Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia
by King Salman bin Abdulaziz alSaud.
This appointment relieved Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz from his duties and comes during a
major Cabinet reshuffle.
Prior to this appointment he was Interior Minister of the kingdom. While King’s son, Prince
Mohammed bin Salman, was appointed Deputy Crown Prince.
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to United States Adel alJubeir was appointed as the Foreign Minister. He
replaced Prince Saud alFaisal.
While, Khalid alFalih was appointed as the Health Minister and chairman of Saudi Aramco.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz alSaud (aged 78) had acceded to the throne in January 2015 after the
death of his halfbrother Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, who was Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader for 10
years.
Ms. Raja Rajeswari became the first Indianborn woman to be appointed a judge in New York
City. She was swornin as a criminal court judge in New York by Mayor Bill de Blasio along with 27
other judges.
They were appointed as judges earlier to the Family Court, Criminal Court, and Civil Court, which are
part of the New York State Unified Court System.
Previously, Rajeswari had worked for her entire career with the Richmond County District Attorney’s
(DA) Office in several bureaus such as Criminal Court, Sex Crimes Special Victims Bureau and
Narcotics, Supreme Court.
Prior to this appointment she had served as Deputy Chief of the Special Victims Unit for more than
four years in DA’s office.
Ms. Rajeswari was born in Chennai and had migrated to United States when she was 16. Apart from
her legal acumen, she is also an accomplished Bharathanatyam and Kucchipudi dancer.
Currently, there are two male judges of Indian descent in civil court settings. They are Jaya
Madhavan in the New York City Housing Court in Bronx County and Anil C. Singh of 1st District of
New York County Supreme Court.
Loretta Lynch has swornin as United States’ first AfricanAmerican woman Attorney General. She is
83rd Attorney General of country.
Loretta Lynch succeeded Eric Holder who left the position on April 24, 2015 after serving Attorney
General for six years. Earlier, her appointment was confirmed by senate on April 23, 2015.
Prior to this appointment she had served as US Attorney for the eastern district of New York, which
encompasses much part of New York City.
Lynch was born on May 21, 1959 in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is graduate from Harvard
College in 1981 and holds Bachelor of Arts in English and American literature. She also holds a Juris
Doctor from Harvard Law School (1984).
Sudan’s President Omar alBashir has won Presidential reelection by securing 94 per cent of the
vote.
With this win he will have additional term of five years in office which will extend his current 25year
rule. He is in power since 1989.
In this election Omar’s National Congress Party (NCP) also won 323 of 426 parliamentary seats.
Omar is facing war crimes charges and is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of
ordering genocide in the Darfur conflict in 2003 in which the UN estimates 300,000 people had died
and more than two million displaced.
Election summary
The voting was for fourday and had started on 13th April 2015. Sudanese opposition had boycotted
this election. Official voter turnout in this election was low at 46%.
United Nations (UN) has nominated Peter Jan Graaff of the Netherlands as the new chief of UN
Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER).
He will replace Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed who was recently appointed as
special UN envoy for Yemen.
With this appointment, Peter Jan Graaff will work closely with Special Envoy on Ebola David Nabarro,
along with governments in the region.
Since October 2014, Graaff had served as Ebola crisis manager for Liberia, one of the African
countries which were affected by the Ebola epidemic along with Guinea and Sierra Leone.
Previously Graaff had worked for the World Health Organisation (WHO) in several African countries,
Afghanistan and Haiti. He also had led the Civil Affairs and Development team for the United Nations
Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
Some facts about Ebola epidemic
As per WHO estimates, more than 26,000 people have been infected with Ebola since the
outbreak which began late in 2013.
In this epidemic more than 10,800 people have died since its outbreak.
More than 99 per cent of the death cases were reported in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.
A highintensity earthquake of magnitude 7.8 on the Richter scale had struck central Nepal between
its capital Kathmandu and the city of Pokhara on 25 April 2015.
Earthquake’s epicenter was 80 kilometers east of Pokhra near Kathmandu. It had a depth of only 11
kilometers (7 miles) i.e. in geological terms it was a shallow depth.
The intensity of this earthquake was high due to its shallower depth which had more destructive
power. It has resulted in thousands of deaths and tremendous loss of property.
The tremors of this quake were felt in north Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh,
Rajasthan, Assam, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana, and Punjab. The tremors were
also reported in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Earlier, Nepal had suffered its worst recorded earthquake in 1934. It was measured 8.0 and had
destroyed the cities of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan.
Reasons for catastrophic earthquake in Nepal
This earthquake in Nepal may have occurred because of two converging tectonic plates, the India
plate and the overriding Eurasian plate.
These tectonic plates are the large, thin, relatively rigid and are moving relative to one another on
the outer surface of the Earth. Both of these plates are slowly moving and sometimes get stuck at
their edges due to friction.
Earthquake might have occured because of these overriding plates after the stress on the edge
overcomes the friction. It releases tremendous energy in form of waves that travel through the
Earth’s crust and causes earthquake on the surface.
Indianorigin diplomat Gopinath Pillai was awarded ‘Outstanding Service Award’ for his services by
the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Current he is serving as AmbassadoratLarge of Singapore and special envoy to Andhra Pradesh.
About Gopinath Pillai
Gopinath Pillai was born in Singapore to Indian parents and had spent eight years of his childhood
in Kerala.
In 1961, he is graduate from University of Malaya and holds degree of Bachelor of Arts (BA).
He had started his career as a journalist with Reuters. He also has worked in a number of fields
including banking and currently is chairman of IT company Savant Infocomm and is Director of
Gateway Distriparks Ltd in India.
Pillai has significantly contributed to Singapore through his distinguished service as a diplomat for
more than 25 years.
His diplomatic career started in 1980s with an assignment with Singapore’s Parliamentary
Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs.
He had served as the nonresident Ambassador to Iran from 1990 to 2008.
Later, he had served as the Singapore High Commissioner to Pakistan.
Awards: He was conferred with Padma Shri in 2012 by the Government of India.
India was placed at 117th position in the recently released World Happiness Report 2015 among the
158 studied nations.
The report was published by the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network
(SDSN).
Top five countries: Switzerland (1st), Iceland (2nd), Denmark (3rd), Norway (4th) and Canada
(5th).
Bottom five countries: Rwanda (154th), Benin (155th), Syria (156th), Burundi (157th) and Togo
(158th).
Other countries: United States (15th), United Kingdom (21th), Japan (46th) and China (84th).
India is ranked below countries like Pakistan (81st), Bangladesh (109th), Ukraine (111th) and Iraq
(112th).
About World Happiness Report
The report aims at influencing government policy.
The report is prepared based upon study undertaken by Gallup World Poll.
The data is used to ranked nations based upon variables such as real GDP per capita, healthy life
expectancy, corruption levels and social freedoms.
Calbuco volcano in southern Chile erupted on 23 April 2015 for the first time after more than 42
years.
It had erupted twice in the space of a few hours which led to billowing of huge ash cloud over a
sparsely populated, mountainous area in southern Chile.
Chilean Government authorities after the eruption have ordered evacuation of the 1,500 inhabitants
of the nearby towns.
Facts about Calbuco Volcano
Calbuco Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes of the Southern Chilean Andes.
It is 2015 metre high and is capped by 400500 metre wide summit crater.
It also considered as one of the top three most potentially dangerous among Chile’s 90 active
volcanos.
It had erupted last time in 1972.
It should be noted that Chile has the second largest chain of volcanoes in the world after Indonesia
which has about 500 that are potentially active. Both countries fall on the Ring of Fire.
Russia and Argentina have signed a series of framework agreements on economic and energy co
operation.
These agreements were signed following talks between Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de
Kirchner and her counterpart Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Both leaders hailed their cooperation as a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The signed agreements include
Russian investment in a hydroelectric plant in Argentina’s Neuquen River.
Russia’s Rosatom nuclear corporation to build a new reactor at Argentina’s Atucha 3 nuclear
power plant.
Memorandum of cooperation (MoC) on defence between both nations.
Comment
Russia is eager to boost trade and economic relations with Latin American countries to offset the
effects of sanctions imposed by the West over the crisis in Ukraine. While, Argentina is looking for
foreign investment in order to restructure its defaulted debt because of US hedge funds.
IndianAmerican Dr. Vivek Murthy was swornin as the US Surgeon General on 23 April 2015.
He was administered oath by US Vice President Joe Biden at a ceremony held at Fort Myer in
Virginia.
Vivek Murthy is 19th US Surgeon General and youngestever (37yearold) to become in charge of
the country’s public health. With this appointment he is also the highest ranking IndianAmerican in
the Obama Administration.
About Dr. Vivek Murthy
Born: July 10, 1977 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom.
Education: He holds BA from Harvard University, an MBA from Yale School of Management, and
an MD from Yale School of Medicine.
Career: Prior to this appointment Dr Murthy was physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in
Boston and a Hospitalist Attending Physician and Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical
School.
In 2009, he founded Doctors for America, a group of 15,000 physicians and medical students
supporting comprehensive health reforms of US President Barack Obama.
It should be noted that U.S. surgeon general does not set any government policy but is an advocate
for the people’s health. He is nominated by US President and confirmed by a majority vote of the
Senate and has term of fouryears.
NASA engineers have developed the first fullscale three dimensional (3D) printed copper rocket
engine part.
The part developed was a combustion chamber liner that operates at extreme temperatures and
pressures using additive manufacturing technique.
Combustion chamber was manufactured by using selective laser melting machine in the Laboratory
located in Marshall Space Flight Centre’s Materials and Processing.
The machine had fused 8,255 layers of copper powder to make the chamber in 10 days and 18
hours.
The raw material used was GRCo84, a copper alloy created by scientists at NASA’s Glenn Research
Centre in Ohio. This alloy has an extensive materials characterization which helped engineers to
validate the 3D printing processing parameters and ensure build quality.
3D printing or additive manufacturing technique has the potential to reduce the time and cost of
making rocket parts. It can help to manufacture engine parts 10 times faster and reduce the cost by
more than 50 per cent.
Japan’s stateoftheart Magnetic levitation technology (Maglev) train has clocked a new world speed
record smashing through the 603 kilometre per hour mark in a test run near Mount Fuji.
The new record has surpassed its previous record of 581 kilometre per hour which was set in 2003.
Central Japan Railway Company owns this fastest passenger train and is planning to have a train in
service in 2027 on the 286km route between Tokyo and the central city of Nagoya.
Japan had launched its first bullet train named Shinkansen in 1964. Currently, Japan has the World’s
most sophisticated rail network.
By successfully testing these new train technologies, Japan is seeking to sell its Shinkansen Bullet
and Maglev train systems to other countries.
How Maglev train works?
Maglev train hovers 10 centimetres above the tracks and is propelled by electrically charged
magnets which lift and moves train carriages above the rail tracks.
This train travels along a guideway using magnets to create both lift and propulsion.
This lift and propulsion reduces friction and allow it to attain higher speeds compared to
conventional wheeled trains.
Pakistan Government on 21 April 2015 conferred NishanePakistan, top civilian award on Chinese
President Xi Jinping.
He was bestowed with this award for his outstanding contribution in promotion of relationship
between the two countries by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.
About NishanePakistan
The NishanePakistan (Order of Pakistan) is the highest of civilian award and decoration given by
the Pakistan Government.
The award is awarded to a person for his highest degree of service to the country and nation of
Pakistan. It is conferred on them for their merit and distinguished services to the country, foreign
relations and international community.
Established on 19 March 1957.
Former Prime Minister of India Morarji Desai is only Indian to receive this award. He was awarded
this award in 1990.
All the Light We Cannot See, a novel based on Second World War by author Anthony Doerr has won
the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
While, The New York Times has won two prestigious Pulitzer prizes for coverage of the Ebola
outbreak in West Africa.
List of 2015 Pulitzer Prize WinnersBooks, Drama and Music
Fiction All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
Drama – Between Riverside and Crazy by Stephen Adly Guirgis
History – Encounters at the Heart of the World: A History of the Mandan People by Elizabeth A.
Fenn.
Biography – The Pope and Mussolini: The Secret History of Pius XI and the Rise of Fascism in
Europe by David I. Kertzer.
Poetry – Digest by Gregory Pardlo.
General Nonfiction The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert.
Music – Anthracite Fields by Julia Wolfe.
Journalism
Public Service The Post and Courier, Charleston.
Breaking News Reporting The Seattle Times Staff.
Investigative Reporting Eric Lipton of New York Times and Wall Street Journal Staff.
Explanatory Reporting Zachary R. Mider of Bloomberg News.
Local Reporting Rob Kuznia, Rebecca Kimitch and Frank Suraci of the Daily Breeze.
National Reporting– Carol D. Leonnig of Washington Post.
International Reporting– New York Times Staff.
Feature Writing– Diana Marcum of the Los Angeles Times.
Commentary Lisa Falkenberg of the Houston Chronicle.
Criticism– Mary McNamara of the Los Angeles Times.
Editorial Writing– Kathleen Kingsbury of Boston Globe.
Editorial Cartooning– Adam Zyglis of Buffalo News.
Breaking News Photography– St. Louis PostDispatch Photography Staff.
Feature Photography– Daniel Berehulak, freelance photographer of New York Times.
As per recently released Global EWaste Monitor 2014 report by United Nations, India is the fifth
biggest producer of ewaste in the world.
The report was compiled by UN think tank United Nations University (UNU).
Top 5 ewaste producing nations: US, China, Japan, Germany and India.
In case of wealthy nations top 5 ewaste producers are Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Denmark,
and United Kingdom.
US and China have produced the most ewaste in 2014. Both nations account for 32 percent of
total ewaste produced in the world in 2014.
India has discarded around 1.7 million tonnes (Mt) of ewaste in 2014.
In 2014, around 41.8 Mt of ewaste was produced all over world and it is expected to rise by 21
percent to 50 million Mt in 2018.
In terms of continent wise, Asia has produced most ewaste per inhabitant in year 2014 by
producing 16 Mt i.e. 3.7 kg per inhabitant.
Top three Asian ewaste producing nations are China (6.0Mt), Japan (2.2Mt) and India
(1.7Mt).
While, Africa has generated lowest amount of ewaste per inhabitant by producing 9 Mt i.e. 1.7 kg
per inhabitant.
Finland’s opposition Centre Party has won the General Election 2015 by defeating the leftright
coalition National Coalition party of incumbent Prime Minister Alexander Stubb.
With this win, Centre Party’s leader Juha Sipila, an IT millionaire and newcomer to country’s politics,
is set to become Finland’s next prime minister.
In this election, Juha Sipila’s Centre Party has won 42 seats in the 200 seats of Parliament and Finns
Party (formerly known as True Finns) was runnerup by winning 38 seats in parliament. While the
ruling Coalition Party has won 37 seats and the Social Democratic Party got 34 seats.
Comment
In this election the Centre Party’s campaign was dominated by economic woes and had advocated
wage freeze and spending cuts to regain Finland’s competitiveness. This may help to get an
economic revamp that could rescue Finland which is facing economic slowdown in the past fouryear.
Russia and Pakistan have agreed to hold firstever joint military exercises as part of their enhanced
defence cooperation.
In this regard, an agreement was reached between both nations during a meeting between Russian
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Asif in Moscow.
As per the agreement, both nations will strive for
Enhancing cooperation in defence industry and military training.
Promoting joint participation in military exercises.
Increasing military cooperation in training and import of arms and equipment.
Resolving conflicts through diplomatic means rather than using of force.
Apart from above, both nations also have reached a consensus that a multipolar world would ensure
peace and balance in international relations.
In 2014, both nations had signed a military cooperation agreement to deepen their defence ties.
They also had vowed to translate their relationship in tangible terms.
The military agreement was signed during the firstever visit of a Russian defence minister in 45
years to Pakistan in November 2014.
United Nation (UN) peace envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar has resigned, after losing support from
Gulf countries for his mission in the conflictriven nation.
His resignation comes after UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for the swift resumption
of peace talks and an end to violence in Yemen on 14 April 2015.
The adopted resolution adopted calls on the Huthis to withdraw from Sanaa and all other areas they
have seized.
About Jamal Benomar
Since 2012, he was serving as UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon’s special envoy for Yemen.
He joined UN in 1994 and had served at various key of posts of different UN agencies.
It included United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Office of the UN High Commissioner
for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA).
Background
The security situation in Yemen deteriorated after the Shia Houthis rebels had seized power by
dissolving Yemen’s government and parliament in January 2015. Since then they had taken control of
key government buildings in capital Sanaa including Presidential Palace.
Canada has agreed to supply 3,000 metric tonnes of uranium to India under a $254 million fiveyear
deal to power Indian atomic reactors.
The agreement for uranium supply was signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his
Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper after comprehensive talks in Ottawa, Canada.
The agreement comes in line with the Canada India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement that took effect
in 2013.
As per uranium supply agreement, Canada’s Cameco Corporation will supply uranium to India for
next five years starting from this year. These supplies will be under the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) safeguards.
Canada is the secondlargest producer of uranium globally and is the third country to supply uranium
to India after Russia and Kazakhstan.
It should be noted that in the 1970s, Canada had banned exports of uranium and nuclear hardware
to India after it was alleged that India had used Canadian technology to develop a nuclear bomb.
However, Canada India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in 2013, Canada moved away from
ban and agreed to supply uranium to India.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a
Russian company INTMA to set up a gasbased power project in Kazakhstan.
The MoU aims set combined path to execute projects of mutual interest in Russia and Kazakhstan.
In this regard, BHEL’s competence in design and manufacturing of power plants will play important
role and INTMA’s strength in handling engineering procurement and construction contractors (EPC)
contracts will implement the projects.
By signing this MoU, BHEL will be able to expand its footprint in the commonwealth of independent
states (CIS) region.
At present, BHEL is has a presence in more than 75 countries and is executing 23 major projects in
16 countries. The state owned company is primarily engaged in manufacturing of power plant
equipment like steam turbines, gas turbines, hydro turbines and boilers.
While, INTMA is Russia and Kazakhstan’s one of the leading general EPC. It has wide experience in
industrial construction, automation, renovation of facilities and other energy related sectors.
Turkey on 14 April 2015 began the construction of its first nuclear power plant located at Akkuyu in
Mersin province on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
It will be built by Akkuyu Project Company, a subsidiary of Russia’s nuclear agency Rosatom.
Key Facts
In 2010, Turkey and Russia had signed an agreement to set up $20 billion Akkuyu nuclear project.
Akkuyu Project Company will own, build and operate the plant that comprises four 1,200 MW
VVER units.
The site was chosen at Akkuyu by Turkish government because it has low population density and
low risk of earthquakes.
It should be noted that Akkuyu nuclear plant is the first of three nuclear power plants planned by
Turkey. Second plant is due to be built in the Black Sea city of Sinop by a FrenchJapanese
consortium and third plant’s location is not finalised yet.
With these nuclear plants, Turkish government is aiming to bring greater energy selfsufficiency by
reducing its dependence on energy imports from like Russia and Iran.
IndianAmerican businesswoman Shamina Singh has been nominated as the member of the Board
of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
She was nominated to top most post by United States President Barack Obama for term of four year
i.e. till October 2019.
About Shamina Singh
Prior to this, Shamina was global director for government services and solutions at MasterCard
Centre for Inclusive Growth.
Prior to joining MasterCard, she had led government and public affairs for sports brand Nike and
had 5 five years with Citigroup’s Global Community Development Group.
She also had held senior positions within the Bill Clinton Administration and the US House of
Representatives.
Singh also was a Deputy Director for America Votes in 2003. She also had served as a Senior
Advisor to US House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
In 2002, she was the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Ron Kirk for US Senate campaign.
From 1999 to 2001, Singh was Executive Director for the President’s Advisory Commission on
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders.
German Nobel laureate novelist Guenter Grass passed away on 12 April 2015 in Berlin. He was 87.
Grass is recognized for his efforts to revive German culture in the aftermath of World War II and also
had given voice and support to democratic discourse in the post war Germany.
About Guenter Grass
Guenter Grass was born on 16 October 1927 in DanzigLangfuhr (now the Polish city of Gdansk)
Apart from being novelist, he was poet, playwright, illustrator, graphic artist and sculptor.
In 1944 at the age of 16, he had served in the WaffenSS, the combat arm of former German
dictator Adolf Hitler’s notorious paramilitary organization.
Grass had made his literary reputation with “The Tin Drum” published in 1959. It was followed by
“Cat and Mouse” and “Dog Years”. These novels were called the Danzig Trilogy named after his
birth town.
Awards and Honours In 1999, he was awarded Nobel Prize for literature for his efforts to revive
German literature after the Nazi era. Hermann Kesten Prize (1995).
He was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1993.
Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton from Britain on 12 April 2015 won Chinese Grand Prix of
Formula One on the Shanghai International Circuit in China.This was his second win of the season
and his fourth Chinese Grand Prix win. It was also Lewis Hamilton’s overall 35th Grand Prix win.In
Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton was followed by teammate Nico Rosberg at second place.Other
rankings
Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel (Germany) and Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) took third and fourth
places respectively.
Williams drivers Felipe Massa (Brazil) and Valtteri Bottas (Finland) took fifth and sixth places.
Romain Grosjean (France) of Lotus Team and Felipe Nasr (Brazil) of Sauber team took seventh
and eight position.
Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) of Red Bull Team was placed at ninth position.
Marcus Ericsson (Swedan) of Sauber Team finished at tenth position.
India and France on 11 April 2015 signed 17 agreements in various fields during Prime Minister (PM)
Narendra Modi’s visit to France.They were signed in presence of Indian PM and his counterpart
French President Francois Hollande after they had held wideranging talks in Paris.Some of key
agreements signed are
MoU between Larsen and Tubro and AREVA It aims at improve the financial viability of the
Jaitapur Nuclear plant project by reducing cost by increasing localization.
It will also enable France to transfer of technology to India for development of indigenous nuclear
energy industry in India.
Preengineering agreements (PEA) between NPCIL and Areva It intends to bring clarity on all
technical aspects of the plant.
It will help all parties including AREVA, Alstom and NPCIL to fix their price and optimise all
provisions for risks (still included at this stage) in the costs of the project.
MoU between CNES and ISRO on Megha Tropiques satellite It extends MoU for two more
years of joint project for sharing and use of data from the satellite.
The satellite was launched in October 2011 on board of Indian launch vehicle PSLV.
MOU between ISRO, CNES and ONERA It proposes cooperation in the areas of satellite remote
sensing, satellite communications and satellite meteorology and others field.
MoU between Union Sports Ministry and French Ministry of Sports It envisages cooperation
and exchange of experiences in the fields of sports medicine and institutional cooperation.
Railway protocol between Union Railways Ministry and French National Railways (SNCF)
It seeks to establish cooperation between Indian and French Railways for semihigh speed rail
and station renovation.
Other agreements signed between both nations in the fields of economy, energy, culture, tourism,
conservation, Ayurveda, skill development and science and technology.Note NPCIL (Nuclear Power
Corporation of India), CNES (French National Centre for Space Studies), ISRO (Indian Space
Research Organisation).Asteroid 316201 was named as ‘316201 Malala’ after the youngest Nobel
laureate and girls’ education campaigner Malala Yousafzai.The asteroid was named after her by Amy
Mainzer, astronomer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, United States under the
International Astronomical Union rules.In 2010, Mainzer had discovered the asteroid which was
known as 316201. As a discoverer of the asteroid she had owned the rights to name it.Asteroid
316201 Malala is located in the Main Belt between Mars and Jupiter. It orbits around the Sun every
5.5 years and is morethan 2 mile wide.About Malala Yousafzai
Malala was born on 12 July 1997 in Mingora city in Swat province of Pakistan.
At the age of 11 she had caught international attention as female education activist after writing for
the BBC about life under the Taliban in Pakistan under pseudonym Gul Makai.
In 2012, Malala had survived an assassination attempt after she was shot in the head Taliban
gunmen.
Awards In 2014, at the age of 17 she was awarded Nobel peace prize, becoming youngest Nobel
Laureate in the history of Nobel award. She had shared this prize with Indian children’s rights
activist Kailash Satyarthi
She is also conferred with National Youth Peace Prize (2011), Mother Teresa Awards for Social
Justice (2012), Simon de Beauvoir Prize (2013), Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought (2013),
Anna Politkovskaya Award (2013) and many more.
United Nations has declared November 10 as ‘Malala Day’ in her honor.
India is going to chair the ninth International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) council meeting to
be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).The 9th IRENA council is scheduled to start from
10 June 2015 and will be a two day event.In this meeting 21 member nations of IRENA council are
going to take part. They will guide the agency’s future programmes and activities.About
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
IRENA is an intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable use of
renewable energy. It is the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information
exchange within its member nations.
Founded: in 2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010.
Two governing structure: IRENA Assembly which takes decisions at macro level and gives policy
guidance.
IRENA Council is main governing body and is responsible for implementing various decisions of
assembly.
Members: In total it has 140 Members. India is one of the 33 Permanent and founder members of
IRENA.
Former Australia captain and legendary cricket commentator Richie Benaud passed away on 10
April 2015. He was 84.About Richie Benaud
Richie Benaud was an Australian Test cricket allrounder and a pioneering legspin bowler.
Test career In his Test cricket career, he had played 63 matches. His debut match was against
West Indies in 1952. He had made 2201 runs and had taken 248 wickets.
In 1958, he was appointed captain of Australian Test Team. He had led the team in 28 Test
matches.
First class cricket career He had played 259 firstclass matches and had taken 945 wickets and
made 11,719 firstclass runs at an average of 36.50.
He had scored 23 centuries in first class cricket.
Commentary Career After retiring from cricket he pursued his career in journalism and
broadcasting.
In 1960, he made first radio cricket commentary for BBC in Britain. His last commentary was in
2005 Ashes series. But till 2013, he continued to work for Channel Nine in Australia.
Autobiography Anything But published in 1998.
Awards Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to cricket (1961), inducted
into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (1985), Australian Cricket Hall of Fame (2007) and ICC
Cricket Hall of Fame (2009).
India was elected to four key bodies of the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council (UN
ECOSOC).
India was elected to these bodies during ECOSOC’s coordination and management meeting held at
UN headquarters in New York, United States (US) by acclamation i.e. form of election that does not
use a ballot.
Four key subsidiary bodies are
Executive Board of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) India is elected for a 3 year
term beginning January 2016. It was elected, along with 13 other nations.
Executive Board of World Food Programme (WFP) – India is reelected to the for a 2 year
period starting from January 2016, along with 5 other nations.
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) – India is elected for a 3 year
period starting from January 2016. India was elected along with 19 other nations. Some of them
are Iran, Pakistan, Austria, France, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and US.
Governing Council of United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHabitat) – India is
elected for a 3 year period starting from January 2016 along with 13 other nations.
With this, India has created significant 100 percent record of winning the UNECOSOC elections.
World health Day was observed all over the world on April 7, 2015. Theme for year 2015 was “food
safety” with the slogan from farm to plate, make food safe.The theme highlights
Need to make food free from viruses, microbes and chemicals substances that are responsible for
more than 200 diseases. Indirectly unsafe food is linked to the annual deaths of some 2 million
people, mostly children.
Need to create awareness about food safety as it possesses challenges from the changes in food
production, distribution and consumption.
Changes in the environment and new emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance are also
challenge to food safety.
In this regard, WHO is also working with countries to strengthen efforts to detect, prevent and
respond to foodborne disease outbreaks in line with the Codex Alimentarius.About World Health
Day
Every year on April 7, World Health Day is celebrated under the sponsorship of the World Health
Organization (WHO).
Purpose: To focus on increasing the life expectancy by adding good health to the lives of people
and promoting healthier living habits.
This day marks the WHO’s founding and is observed since 1950,
Since then April 7 every year is seen as an opportunity by the WHO to draw worldwide attention to
a subject of major importance to global health each year.
Pedro Cateriano Bellido was appointed as Prime Minister of Peru by the President Ollanta Humala.He
will replace Ana Jara, who had lost a confidence vote and was sacked by Peruvian Congress amid
allegations of corruption.About Pedro Cateriano Bellido
Prior to this appointment, he was serving as Peru’s Defence Minister and was appointed in July
2012,
Cateriano, by profession is a lawyer and is specialized in constitutional law.
He was member of the Peruvian parliament from 1990 to 1992.
Cateriano also had served as deputy justice minister from 2001 to 2002.
He also teaches law at the University of Lima.
Misao Okawa, the World’s oldest person on 1 April 2015 died in Japan at the age of 117 and 27
days.She was awarded the Guinness World Records title of oldest living person as well as the oldest
living woman on 27 February 2013, a few days before her 115th birthday.She was born in on 5 March
1898 in Osaka city of Japan. She is survived by three children and four grandchildren, six great
grandchildren.Okawa was the 30th verified person who had reached the age of 115, the 10th verified
person to reach the age of 116 and the 5th verified person to reach the age of 117.Now the oldest
living person is Sakari Momoi from Japan. He had turned 112 in February 2015.According to
Guinness World Records, the oldest person who has ever lived was Jeanne Calment of France. She
had lived 122 years and 164 days and had died in August 1997.
Recently released Country Threat Index (CTI) by USbased intelligence think tank Intel Center has
placed Pakistan eighth in the list of the most dangerous countries in the world as of March 2015.Top
10 Most Dangerous Countries in the world
CTI
Country
Rank Score
811
1 Iraq
717
2 Syria
272
3 Nigeria
257
4 Somalia
186
5 Afghanistan
157
6 Libya
132
7 Yemen
122
8 Pakistan
103
9 Ukraine
74
10 Egypt
Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two South Asian countries in the list.The rankings were
prepared based upon CTI after examining the volume of terrorist and rebel alerts, messaging traffic,
videos, photos, incidents and the number of killed and injured in a country over the past 30 days.Intel
Center is a Washingtonbased company established in 1989. It works globally for intelligence
agencies a by providing them counterterrorism intelligence services. New Zealand cricketer Kyle Mills
on 1 April 2014 announced retirement from international cricket.He made this announcement after
New Zealand lost to Australia in ICC World Cup 2015 final.Kyle Mills cricket career spanned 14 years.
In his entire cricket career he had played 19 Tests matches, 170 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and
42 T20s.He had made his international debut in a ODI against Pakistan in 2001 and test debut in
2004 against England.In 170 ODI matches he had taken 240 wickets, second highest wicket taker
among New Zealand bowlers after Daniel Vettori. In 19 tests matches, he had taken 44 wickets and
43 wickets in his 42 Twenty20 internationals.Former military ruler Genral Muhammadu Buhari won
the Presidential election in Nigeria. He defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan by more
than two million votes.With this historic win, Buhari became the first opposition candidate in history of
Nigeria to win a presidential election.In this election Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC) party
has received around 15,424,921 votes and Jonathan’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has
recieved 12,853,162 votes.About Muhammadu Buhari
He is native of Daura in Katsina State of Nigeria and belongs to Fulani ethnic background.
Buhari was military ruler of Nigeria from 1984 to 1985 and had taken power by a military coup.
He had served in Nigerian Army from 1961 to 1985 and had retired as a Major General.
Comment
Gen Buhari’s victory in this presidential election is considered as historic moment in Nigeria’s
turbulent history. For the first time sitting president was defeated in an election.
Since independence from Britain in 1960, Nigeria had faced numerous military coups and most of
the elections were rigged in the past.
2015 Presidential election is considered as important in Nigeria because it was conducted fairly
indicating roots of democracy, deepening in Nigeria.
Australia on 29 March 2015 won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 for the record fifth time.In the final
match Australia defeated cohosts of the tournament, New Zealand by 7 wickets played at the iconic
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia.In the final match, New Zealand had won the toss and
had chosen to bat first. They had set the target of 183 runs to Australia after losing all wickets in the
45th over.Australian team easily overhauled the target in the 34th over with 7 wickets in hand.
Captain of Australian Team Michael Clarke.
Captain of New Zealand Team Brendon McCullum.
In the final match, Australian bowlers James Faulkner and Mitchell Johnson had bagged 3 wickets
each, while Mitchell Starc had claimed two wickets. Captain Michael Clarke had scored 74 runs and
Steve Smith 56 runs.Previously, Australia had won the Cricket World Cup in 1987, 1999, 2003 and
2007.It was first time of New Zealand to enter final of Cricket World Cup. In the previous world cup’s
they were defeated for six times in the semifinals.
Saudi Arabia along with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and several other countries have started
military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The operations were stated after Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi had requested to
counter radical Houthi movement in the country and to defend and support the legitimate government
of Yemen.
The military operation included series of airstrikes which targeted Presidential Palace in Yemen’s
capital Sanaa.
The countries included in the operation led by Saudi Arabia are Jordan, Sudan, Morocco, Egypt and
Pakistan along with GCC member countries. GCC members involved are United Arab Emirates
(UAE), Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.
United States also has announced authorised logistical and intelligence support to Saudi Arabia led
military operations, but has clearly mentioned that its forces will not participate in operations directly.
Indian Government also has issued advisory asking Indian nationals in Yemen to leave the country in
view of the continuing fragile situation there.
Background
dissolving Yemen’s government and parliament in January 2015.
Since then rebels had taken control of key government buildings in capital Sanaa including
Presidential Palace. They also had taken control and seized city of Taiz, third largest city of
Yemen.
Bangladesh has won the prestigious Women in Parliaments (WIP) Award for regional leadership in
the South and Southeast Asia category for closing the gender gap in politics. The award was
presented by WIP Global Forum at annual summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. On behalf of
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Minister of State (MoS) for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam
received the award.Bangladesh is only country in the world where the Prime Minister, Parliament
speaker, Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Leader of the house, and a major opposition leader are all
women.In the World Economic Forum report it has been placed among the top 10 countries in the
world in reducing gender gapAbout Women in Parliaments Award
WIP Award is based on the rankings of the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report.
The report assesses 135 countries that represent more than 93 percent of the world’s population.
It also assesses on how well resources and opportunities are divided among male and female
populations.
Women in Parliaments (WIP) is the global network of female parliamentarians at the national level
and has around 9,000 female parliamentarians in its network.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signed a US $400 million currency swap agreement with the
Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
The currency swap agreement will allow central banks of both nations to make withdrawals of US
Dollar or Euro in multiple tranches up to a maximum of USD 400 million or its equivalent.
The agreement will be valid for a period of three years and further economic cooperation between
the two countries. It will also bring in more financial stability in the region.
Background
In SAARCFINANCE Governor’s meeting held in Nepal in 2012, RBI had announced that it will offer
currency swap facilities aggregating USD 2 billion. This facility will be offered in both foreign
currency and rupee to SAARC member countries.
In this regard, the swap arrangement are signed to provide a backstop line of funding for the
SAARC member countries to meet any balance of payments (BoP) and liquidity crises till long
term arrangements are made.
The facility will be available to all SAARC member countries including India, Afghanistan,
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Renowned Indian Ecologist Madhav Gadgil has won the prestigious Tyler Prize 2015 for
Environmental Achievement. He will share this prize with noted American marine ecologist and
environmental scientist Jane Lubchenco.Both of them were chosen for this year’s prize for their
pioneering work, leadership and engagement in the development of conservation and sustainability
policies in the United States, India and internationally.Madhav Gadgil
He was the chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) which is famously
known as Gadgil Commission.
Gadgil was chosen for this prize for leading WGEEP and producing landmark report on the
preservation of the unique ecosystem of the Western Ghats and the inclusion of local committees
which led the voice on environmental issues in India.
He also had played leading role in crafting of India’s National Biodiversity Act, 2002.
Dr. Jane LubchencoShe was chosen for this award for her dedication in raising awareness for
protection of ocean ecosystems and its importance during her tenure as administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).About the Tyler Prize
Instituted in 1973. John and Alice Tyler are the founders of prize.
Awarded by International Tyler Prize Executive Committee. The administrative support to
committee is provided by the University of Southern California.
It recognizes and honours persons for their exceptional dedication for environmental science,
environmental health, and energy.
Award carries monetary prize of US $ 200000 along with a gold medallion.
Note Madhav Gadgil is second Indian to receive this prize. First was Father of Indian Green
Revolution MS Swaminathan in 1991. He was awarded for his contribution to improve crop yields in
India.First Prime Minister (PM) of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew passed away on 23 March 2015. He was
91.Mr. Lee is described as the ‘founding father’ and ‘architect’ of modern Singapore. He is also
considered as pioneer for transforming the island country from a small port city into a wealthy global
hub after its independence from United Kingdom and separation from Malaysia.About Lee Kuan Yew
He was born in Singapore on 16 September 1923 as a British subject.
Lee Kuan Yew had studied law at Cambridge University and had graduated with double First Class
Honours.
In 1954, Mr. Lee cofounded the People’s Action Party (PAP) and was its first SecretaryGeneral.
He had led the party to eight victories from 1959 to 1990.
He was elected as First Prime Minister of Singapore in 1959. Since then he had served as PM of
country for 31 years and had stepped down in 1990. He also had overseen the separation of
Singapore from Malaysia in 1965.
During his regime, Mr. Lee had stressed on combined marketfriendly policies with strict controls
over the free speech and press.
Even after stepping down as leader, Mr. Lee was holding a cabinet level post till 2011 and was
active in decision making process. He was a member of parliament until his death.
Every year March 23 is observed as World Meteorological Day (WMD). Theme for this year is
Climate Knowledge for Climate Action.
This year’s theme assumes special significance to disseminate Climate Change related knowledge in
order to take appropriate mitigation and adaptation actions related to it.
On the occasion of WMD, various meteorological research awards are also given. These awards
include International Meteorological Organization Prize, Professor Dr. Vilho Vaisaila Award and
Norbert GerbierMumm International Award.
Background
On this day in 1950 the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Convention came into force that
aimed at creating WMO. Later in 1951, WMO became United Nations specialized agency for
meteorology, geophysical sciences and operational hydrology.
Former Sri Lankan Army Chief Sarath Fonseka was conferred the highest military rank of Field
Marshal by the Government.
He was awarded this title by President Maithripala Sirisena at a state ceremony held in the Colombo.
With this Fonseka became the first Sri Lankan to receive this highest military title which is honorary in
nature.
Background
Fonseka is credited for being the force behind ending the 26year Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009 by
defeating the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels.
After retiring from Army, Fonseka had entered politics and had contested 2010 Presidential
election against then President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Following the controversial defeat in this election he was court martialled and was jailed for
alleged corruption and treason charges by then Rajapaksa led government.
But the new government led President Maithripala Sirisena after coming to power in January 2015
had dropped all the charges against Fonsek and had reinstated his court martialled army rank
using the executive powers.
Sarath Fonseka’s military career
He had joined the Sri Lanka Army in 1970 as a cadet officer. Since then during his 40year
career he had served various posts in Army.
He was 18th Commander i.e. Chief of the Sri Lanka Army and was in office from 2005 to 2009.
Fonseka also has served as Chief of Defence Staff of Sri Lanka. He was in office from July 2009 to
November 2009.
Katherine Viner has been appointed as editorinchief of The Guardian newspaper. She will be 12th
editorinchief and the first woman to run the newspaper in its 194year history.
Viner will succeed Alan Rusbridger who is stepping down after 20 years and taking over as Chair of
the Scott Trust which owns the Guardian.
Prior to this appointment Viner was serving as deputy editor of the Guardian and editorinchief of
Guardian US.
She had joined the Guardian in 1997. Since then she had served at various posts in the newspaper
including editor of G2, Guardian’s daily supplement, deputy women’s editor and editor of the
Guardian Weekend magazine.
She was also a deputy editor of the title as well as editing the Saturday edition of the newspaper from
2008 until 2012. She also was responsible for launching the Guardian’s Australian operations.
About The Guardian newspaper
It is a British national daily founded in 1821. Till 1959 it was called as The Manchester Guardian.
Its sister newspaper are The Observer and The Guardian Weekly.
The newspaper has won Pulitzer Prize 2014 and is respected for its independent voice and
investigative strengths.
Japan and China on 19 March 2015 held their first security talks in Tokyo after four years since the
ties had worsened over a row over islands in the East China Sea.
In the security talks both nations agreed to keep alive and foster a nascent recovery in bilateral ties
plagued by the legacy of Japan’s wartime aggression and a territorial dispute.
However, both nations failed to set a timetable for the implementation of a scheme designed to
ensure realtime communication between their armed forces.
Background of East China Sea dispute
SinoJapanese relations had worsened after China had claimed its rights over the group of tiny
East China Sea islets.
The islets comprises group of eight uninhabited islands and rocks. They have a total area of about
7 sq km in China Sea and are controlled by Japan.
These islets are close to strategically important shipping lanes in this region and also offer rich
fishing grounds. The region surrounding these islets is also thought to contain oil deposits.
China claims that these islets have been part of its territory since ancient times. While, Taiwan
separately is also claiming its right the islands.
Sohail Aman on 18 March 2015 was appointed as Chief of Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
His appointment was approved by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and was promoted to the
rank of Air Chief Marshal.
He will succeed Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt who retires from the
service. Prior to this appointment, Sohail Aman was serving as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff
(operations) at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
Sohail Aman had started his career in 1980 after he was commissioned in the GD (P) Branch of PAF.
His more than three 3 decade long career in PAF encompasses a wide range of operational, training,
command assignments and has flown various types of fighter and training aircraft on PAF Inventory.
He has been decorated with HilaliImtiaz, SitaraiImtiaz and TamghaiImtiaz awards for the
recognition of his meritorious and exceptionally dedicated services.
Three nations from European Union (EU) France, Germany and Italy have agreed to join the China
backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) after the United Kingdom (UK) decided to join the
bank.If these western nations join the bank, the total number of the bank’s member states including
India will go up to 30.It should be noted that UK was the first Western country to join the bank and
also first nation to disregard the reservations expressed by the United States (US) which had raised
concerns over banks transparency.About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
AIIB is an international financial institution proposed by China which seeks to provide support to
infrastructure projects in Asia.
It is expected to be operational by the end 2015 and its headquarters will be located at Beijing.
The bank is also considered as China’s move to balance the power with the WB, IMF and ADB
which are being controlled/dominated by the US, EU and Japan respectively.
The authorised capital of AIIB is US $100 bn and the initial subscribed capital is expected to be
around US $50 bn. The paidin ratio will be 20%.
India along with other 20 member nations were founding member of AIIB and had signed
agreement in this regard in October 2014.
Powerful cyclone Pam on 14 March 2015 slammed the south Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu. The
cyclone Pam is category five tropical storm and has brought destructive 270 kilometreperhour winds
and torrential rain along with it after it had changed its course in westward direction.
The cyclone was followed by flooding, landslides, sea surges and very rough seas which has caused
massive destruction in the small Pacific nation.
Cyclone Pam prior to slamming Vanuatu had destroyed some homes and had caused damage to
other Pacific islands including Kiribati and the Solomon Islands.
Vanuatu is located north east of Australia to south west of Hawaii Islands. It has population of
267,000 spread over 65 islands and about 47,000 people live in its capital Port Vila.
A historic bronze statue of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at the Parliament
Square in London. It was unveiled jointly by British Prime Minister David Cameron and Union Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley.
M K Gandhi is the first Indian and the only person who had never held a public office to be honoured
with a statue at the Parliament Square.
The statue is placed adjacent to the statues of iconic leaders like Britain’s former Prime Minister
Winston Churchill and antiapartheid icon and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela.
Key features of statue
It is 9 foot long statue made up of bronze.
Crafted by British sculptor Philip Jackson.
It is based on a number of photographs of Mahatma Gandhi and particularly on photograph of him
standing outside the London offices of the British prime minister in 1931.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14 March 2015 flagged off the first train from Thalaimannar to
Madhu Road in North Sri Lanka.
It marks the completion and restoration of the prestigious project of Indian Railways to restore the
NorthSouth Rail link of Sri Lanka after decades of civil war. The NorthSouth Rail link was completely
destroyed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants during the civil war in 1980s.
Key facts
The rail project connects the Sri Lanka’s Jaffna province to capital Colombo and a branch line
connects Thalaimannar to the main rail line.
The project has been implemented by Indian Railway Construction Company Limited (IRCON)
International, a subsidiary of Indian Railways.
Indian Government had provided line of credit to this project as part of India’s bid to establish
better connectivity between SAARC nations.
This project will also play significant role in establishing connectivity between both nations as ferry
service soon will be started from northwestern Sri Lankan town of Talaimannar (the closest point to
India) and Rameshwaram.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Anuradhapura shrine
Prior to inaugurating this rail service, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the sacred
Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura shrine.
This is first time that an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Anuradhapura.
The sacred Bodhi tree at Anuradhapura shrine was planted as a sapling of the original Bodhi tree,
under which Lord Gautam Buddha had achieved enlightenment.
It was planted 2000 years ago in Anuradhapura shrine which is considered as one of the most
sacred places in Buddhism.
Pakistan successfully tested its first indigenously built allweather armed drone named Burraq and a
laser guided missile named Barq.
By successfully testing of Burraq, Pakistan became the 9th country in the World to develop an
unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) domestically.
About Burraq
Dveloped by a venture of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the National Engineering and Scientific
Commission (NESCOM).
It is named after the flying horse of Islamic tradition.
Burraq has ability to fly in all types of weather conditions.
It has capability to strike its targets with pinpoint accuracy.
With Barq laserguided missile mounted on it, Burraq can hit moving targets as well as stationary
targets with pinpoint accuracy.
UCAV Burraq was first flight tested in May 2009.
At present, Pakistan has several types of unarmed surveillance drones in operation but Burraq and
Shahpar are its domestically developed UCAVs.
Harvard University of United States (US) has again topped in World Reputation Rankings 2015
published by Times Higher Education.
Times Higher Education in the rankings revealed the top 100 universities across the world.
Top 10 Universities in World Reputation Rankings 2015 are
Harvard University (US).
University of Cambridge (UK).
University of Oxford (UK).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US).
Stanford University (US).
University of California, Berkeley (US).
Princeton University (US).
Yale University (US).
California Institute of Technology (US).
Columbia University (US).
Key highlights of World Reputation Rankings 2015
The top ten universities are all located in the US and United Kingdom (UK). US alone has 8
universities in the top ten rankings. While, UK has 2 universities in the top 10 ranking.
2015 reputation rankings shows that US alone has 43 higher education institutions in the top 100.
While, United has 12 universities in the top 100.
Germany is third bestrepresented nation in the ranking after the US and the UK. It has 6
universities in top 100.
In case of Asian countries, University of Tokyo is placed at 12 position in the rankings. China’s
Tsinghua University is placed at 26 and Peking University is placed at 32 postion.
Renowned fantasy author and creator of the Discworld series Sir Terry Pratchett passed away on 12
March 2015 in London, United Kingdom. He was 66 and was being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
disease.
In his 44 years long career, Pratchett had written more than 70 books which were translated in 37
languages.
His debut novel, The Carpet People was published in 1971 and his first Discworld novel, The Colour
of Magic was published in 1983.
He was well known for Discworld which include series of more than 40 interconnected comic novels.
Pratchett has sold more than 85 million books worldwide was the UK’s bestselling author of the
1990s and later surpassed by Harry Potter author J K Rowling.
Awards He was knighted by the Queen Elizabeth II in 2009 for his services to literature and was
appointed as officer of Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998. In 2010, he was awarded the World
Fantasy Award for Life Achievement.
India and Mauritius have inked 5 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to give new impetus to
bilateral cooperation.
These MoUs were signed in Port Luis, Mauritius during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to island
nation as part of threenation tour of Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka for cementing strategic
partnership with these island courtiers.
Following MoUs were signedMoU in the field of Ocean Economy
It will provide an extensive framework for cooperation in the field of Ocean Economy between two
countries for sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region.
It includes mutually beneficial cooperation for exploration and capacity development in the field of
marine resources, green tourism, fisheries, research and development of ocean technology,
exchange of experts and other related activities.
Programme for Cultural Cooperation between both nations for the year 201518
The programme will provide enhanced bilateral cooperation between both nations in this field for
the term 20152018. It will enhance peopletopeople participation between the two countries
The programme envisages exchange of cultural troupes, organization of cultural exhibitions,
preservation of cultural heritage, training in fine arts, promotion of Indian languages, exchange of
students, etc.
Protocol between both countries for the importation of fresh mango from India
The aim of this Protocol is to facilitate Mauritius with importation of worldrenowned Indian
mangoes. This protocol is between India’s Union Department of Agriculture and Cooperation and
Ministry of AgroIndustry and Food Security of Mauritius.
MoU for the Improvement in Air and Sea Transportation Facilities at Agalega Island of
Mauritius
It provides provisions for setting up and upgradation of infrastructure for improving sea and air
connectivity at Agalega Island of Mauritius and Outer Island.
These facilities will help to enhance the capabilities in safeguarding interests of the Mauritian
Defence Forces in the Outer Island.
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Traditional System of Medicine and Homeopathy
It will promote cooperation in the field of traditional system of health and medicine between the
both countries.
It envisages exchange of experts, joint R&D and recognition of the traditional systems of health
and medicine, supply of traditional medicinal substances, in both countries.
It also aims to promote and popularization of the various Indian traditional systems of AYUSH.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Seychelles as part of threenation tour for cementing strategic
partnership with island countries of Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.
Narendra Modi is first Prime Minister to visit Seychelles in 34 years. Previously, late Prime Minister
Indira Gandhi had visited the country in 1981.
Key facts
Both nations agreed to set up joint working group to promote ocean based economy i.e. on Blue
Economy. In this regard, India committed to provide all help to Seychelles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced free visa on arrival (VoA) and free visas for three
months facility to the citizens of Seychelles.
Four agreements and MoUs were signed between both the countries. They were signed in the
fields of renewable energy, hydro graphic survey, electronics navigation and infrastructure
development at the island of Seychelles.
These agreements and MoU’s were signed by Secretary (West) Navtej Sarna from Indian side in
the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Seychelles James Alix Michel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also inaugurated a Coastal Surveillance Radar system (SSRS). The
surveillance system has set up in Seychelles with the help of India.
India also announced to provide 2nd dossier aircraft to the island nation to enhance maritime
security.
World’s first solar powered aircraft on global journey Solar Impulse 2 successfully landed in
Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The aircraft was piloted by Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg from its first halt
Muscat, Oman.
Key features of Solar Impulse 2 aircraft
It is a Swiss longrange solarpowered aircraft project and claimed to be first aircraft to fly day and
night without consuming conventional fuel.
Solely propelled by the solar energy and emits zero Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
Structure: Singleseater aircraft made of carbon fibre. It has a 72 metre wingspan and weighs
2,300 kilo grams.
Solar cells: 17,248 solar cells inbuilt into its wings. These cells supply renewable energy to propel
the electric motors of aircraft.
These solar cells also recharge 4 lithium polymer batteries mounted on aircraft which allows it fly
at night.
The first test flight of the aircraft was conducted in the United States in 2013.
Solar Impulse’s maiden global journey
Solar impulse started its 35000 km long journey from Abu Dhabi (UAE). Its first halt was in Muscat
(Oman).
Flight route and Stops It will stop in Ahmedabad and Varanasi in India, Mandalay (Myanmar),
Chongqing & Nanjing (China).
Then it will cross Pacific Ocean via Hawaii and fly across the US and take 3 stops at Phoenix, the
Midwest and New York City.
Then it will cross Atlantic Ocean and stop in Southern Europe or North Africa and end its journey at
Abu Dhabi.
It should be noted that the Solar Impulse 2 is flying from west to east on the selected route as per the
direction of tailwinds which is in same direction of aircraft to keep it afloat.
Islamic State (IS) militants have destroyed the ruins at the ancient city of Hatra located in southwest
of Mosul in Northern Iraq.
City of Hatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded 2,000 years ago, in the days of the
Parthian Empire.
It is home to numerous temples and sculptures dedicated to gods including Apollo and Poseidon. It is
also famous for its striking pillared temple which blends GraecoRoman and eastern architecture.
Earlier, IS militants had bulldozed the ancient city of Nimrud, an Assyrian city founded in the 13th
Century BC.
It should be noted that, the destruction of ancient cities comes in the city of Mosul, Iraq’s second
largest city which is in control of IS since June 2014 including nearby areas. This region has nearly
1,800 of the Iraq’s 12,000 registered archaeological sites.
IS militants are destroying these heritage Islamic Arab cities as part of its extremists propaganda.
NASA’s Dawn space probe has completed its orbit around dwarf planet Ceres which is the largest
object in the Solar System between Mars and Jupiter.
With the completion of orbit, Dawn probe has become first spacecraft to visit dwarf planet.
Dawn has taken 7.5 years to reach the orbit of Ceres. Scientists are hoping to glean information from
the Ceres which can tell them about the Solar System’s beginnings after its formation four and a half
billion ago.
Earlier during its journey from 2011 to 2012, the spacecraft also had explored and surveyed the giant
asteroid Vesta. It had delivered new insights and thousands of images from the asteroid.
About Dawn space probe
Launched– In 2007 by NASA.
Objective to study the two massive protoplanets of the asteroid belt: Vesta and the dwarf planet
Ceres.
The mission is managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Probes major components are contributed by NASA’s European partners i.e. from German
Aerospace Center, Italian Space Agency and Italian National Astrophysical Institute.
Dawn space probe is the first NASA exploratory mission to use ion propulsion to enter orbits.
Sri Lanka’s newly elected government on 5 March 2015 temporarily suspended constriction work of
China’s ambitious port city project in Colombo with immediate effect.
The decision was taken in Cabinet meeting chaired by Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil
Wickremasinghe based upon the Interim Report submitted by a cabinet subcommittee.
The committee was appointed by the Sri Lankan Government to review the project. The Interim
Report had alleged that this mega real estate deal with China was signed
Without cabinet approval.
Without following procedures.
Implemented without relevant approvals from the concerned institutions.
About Colombo Port City project
Colombo Port City project is the singlelargest foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka worth 1.5
billion dollar. The project was inaugurated in September 2014, by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China is expecting that this project will play a key role in its ambitious Maritime Silk Road Project.
Then President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa had signed the deal with China to reclaim 233
hectares of land from the sea to build a port city on a 99year lease.
As part of the project, Chinese company was to develop commercial and entertainment hub which
include shopping malls, water sports, golf, hotels, apartments and marinas.
Sunil Sabharwal, an independent IndianAmerican investor has been renominated as Alternate
Executive Director at International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He was renominated to key post at IMF by US President Barack Obama. In this regard, President
Obama has forwarded his decision to renominate Sabharwal to the US Senate.
For first time he was nominated Alternate Executive Director at IMF in April 2014.
About Sunil Sabharwal
Sabharwal was born in 1964 in New Delhi and later moved to Budapest, Hungary.
He graduated from The Ohio State University and postgraduated from the London Business
School.
He had worked at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development as Principal Banker
from 1992 to 1996.
Then he moved at GE Capital and held several positions including Managing Director from 1997
to 2003.
Sabharwal was also Senior Vice President of Strategic Investments at First Data
Corporation/Western Union from 2003 to 2006. Since 2006, he has been an independent investor
in the payments sector.
From 2011 to 2013, he was the Chairman of the Board of Ogone, a European ecommerce
payment services company.
Hifikepunye Pohamba, outgoing Namibian President has won the world’s most valuable individual
award Mo Ibrahim prize for African leadership for year 2014.
About Hifikepunye Pohamba
Pohamba was born in 1935 in Namibia and was a former rebel who fought for his country’s
independence.
He has served as Namibian President two terms. For first time he was elected in 2004 and again
in 2009.
Now, he is due to be succeeded by elected President Hage Geingob.
About Mo Ibrahim prize for African leadership
This prize is given each year to an elected leader who has governed well, raised living standards
and then left office.
It is named after Mo Ibrahim, a BritishSudanese mobile communications entrepreneur and
philanthropist who had made billions of fortune from investing in Africa.
Mo Ibrahim had launched this prize in 2007 to encourage African leaders to leave power
peacefully.
It is the world’s most valuable individual award and carries monetary award of 5 million dollar and
also $ 200,000 a year for life.
The inaugural prize was awarded to Joaquim Chissano, former president of Mozambique.
World’s first electric satellites were successfully lifted off by a Space Exploration (SpaceX)
Technologies rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, United States.
The rocket was carrying two allelectric commercial satellites built by Boeing. The satellites are
owned by the French satellite provider Eutelsat and Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS).
Eutelsat’s satellite is part of its 35member commercial network. It will provide services like mobile,
internet, video and other communications services to expand its reach into the Americas. While, ABS
new satellite will serve its customers in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Features of electric satellites
These satellites are fitted with lightweight, allelectric engines rather than conventional chemical
propulsion systems.
These electric engines allow satellites to produce electric propulsion in order to reach and remain
fixed in particular orbit.
Electric propulsion from these satellites consumes less fuel compared with satellite having
chemical propulsion. Thus making satellites lighter in weight and further reducing cost of launch.
China has launched a massive Silk Road infrastructure project worth $79.8 billion in the northwest
province of Gansu as part of its ambitious Silk Road plan.
These project will facilitate trade and people exchanges between China and central Asian Countries.
Key facts
It will be sixyear Silk Road development project. On its completion it is going to add more than
60,000 kilometres of road network including 4,070 km expressways. Thus improving the
connectivity of the existing transportation network.
This project will also build 12 civilian airports in the next six years. Thus, expanding the air service
reach to 82 per cent of the province’s population.
Gansu province does not share its borders with any central Asian countries but it will be an
important part of the Silk Road Economic Belt.
About Silk Road projects
The Silk Road projects are part of China’s ambitious Silk Route plan, which involves maze of roads
and ports connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.
These projects aims to revive China’s trade links especially its declining exports besides globally
enhancing its sphere of influence.
China’s President Xi Jinping has unveiled a new political theory, grouped into four slogans also known
as the four comprehensives.
His new political theory was declared ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Committee of the
People’s Political Consultative Conference, which is going to discuss national policies.
Xi Jinping’s new political theory is summed up into following four Comprehensives:
Comprehensively build a moderately prosperous society.
Comprehensively deepen reform.
Comprehensively govern the nation according to law.
Comprehensively strictly govern the Party.
In the above 4 comprehensives, the first three are familiar to slogans of previous Chinese leaders,
but the fourth comprehensive is a specific reference to the current anticorruption campaign being
prosecuted by Xi Jinping.
Previously also, similar slogans were put forward by his predecessors, including Hu Jintao’s Three
Supremes and Jiang Zemin’s Three Represents.
Since 1950s several communist leaders had given number of similar kind of slogans. The Cultural
Revolution begun by Mao Zedong also included phrases such as smash the four olds.
Researchers from Australia’s Monash University have created world’s first 3 Dimensional (3D) printed
jet engine.
The first of kind 3D printed engine was developed by team of researchers from Monash Centre for
Additive Manufacturing in partnership with spinout company Amaero Engineering.
Process of Production
The jet engine was created using innovative additive manufacturing technique. Firstly, the
scanned computer models of engines were created by the researchers.
Then the 3D printing machine incorporated with highpowered laser fused the nickel, titanium or
aluminium into the shape of engine parts.
Significance of this development
It opens the door for engineers to make and test parts of jet engines in days instead of months.
It will also help engineers to manufacture cheaper, lighter and more fuelefficient jet engines.
About 3D printing technology
3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file with extreme
precision.
This technology is also termed additive manufacturing as the 3D printed object is created us
additive processes.
In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of manufacturing
material on each other until the entire object is created.
This technology has limitless possibilities and can create almost anything with just raw material
and a computer generated model.
Cyprus has signed an agreement with Russia to give Russian navy ships access to Cypriot ports in
the Mediterranean Sea.
The agreement in this regard was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Cyprus
counterpart President Nicos Anastasiades in Moscow.
Military deal between both nations comes at the time when the tensions between Russia and
Western countries over the Ukrainian conflict have worsened.
Key facts about agreement
Russia will use these ports in Cyprus to dock its naval ships for the purpose of counterterrorism
and antipiracy operations.
Russia is also looking to use an air base in Cyprus for humanitarian relief missions in this region.
It is also considered that by building up base in Cyprus, will replace its search for base in
Mediterranean since it has lost its previous base in on Syria in the Syrian crisis.
US Tech giant Apple Inc has been fined $553 million for three patent infringements owned by patent
licensing firm Smartflash LLC.
This verdict was given by federal Jury in US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The Jury
in its verdict found out that Apple Inc’s iTunes software has infringed three patents owned by
Smartflash LLC.
The federal jury in its verdict also held that Apple had not only used Smartflash’s patents without
permission, but also used them willfully.
Background
In May 2013, Smartflash LLC had sued Apple Inc, alleging that iTunes software has violated its 3
patents related to accessing and storing downloaded songs, videos and games. In this regard,
Smartflash LLC had asked $852 million in damages from Apple.
Jamaica’s Parliament on 25 February 2015 has passed a law to decriminalise the possession of
small amounts of marijuana up to 57 grams for personal use.
The newly passed law allows licensing authority to oversee the medical and scientific uses of the
Marijuana plant in the country.
Jamaica’s decision to legalise marijuana comes in line with global trend which include several Latin
American countries and US states that have decriminalised marijuana possession.
Marijuana is widely grown in Jamaica and has cultural roots there. It is also the biggest exporter of
marijuana to the United States among Caribbean countries.
Global trend of decriminalisation of marijuana
In 2014, Uruguay was the first country in the world to approve the growth, sale and distribution of
marijuana.
In United States, states like Alaska, Colorado, and Washington have legalises the sale and
possession of marijuana for both medical and nonmedical use.
Mexico, Colombia and Argentina also have decriminalised the possession of small amounts of
marijuana.
About Marijuana
Marijuana is a greenishgray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of
Cannabis sativa – the hemp plant.
Most people smoke marijuana, though it can also be used in other forms such as edibles, powders
and oils.
Medicinal values of marijuana is used as a drug for controlling pain for medical issues, like cancer,
nervous system diseases, glaucoma, migraines, etc. It also can be used to treat nausea and
improve appetites for people with HIV or other chronic illnesses.
United States (US) has announced to provide work permits to spouses of H1B visa holders from 26
May 2015. Under existing US laws, spouses of H1B visa holders are not eligible to work.
This announcement is expected to benefit thousands of talented and professional spouses who have
settled in US but are unable to work.
As per new rules, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting applications
for work visas of H1B spouses from 26 May 2015.
In this regard H1B visa holders spouse has to submit Form I765 to USCIS. Once this form is
accepted by USCIS, H4 dependent spouse will be granted an Employment Authorisation Card to
start working in US.
This move is going to benefit more than 1.79 lakh in the first year and 55,000 annually in subsequent
years especially Indians.
About H1B visa
It is a nonimmigrant visa in US under section 101(a)(15)(H) of Immigration and Nationality Act.
H1B visa allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. It
should be noted that H1B workauthorization is strictly limited to employment by the sponsoring
employer.
Ravi Chaudhary, an Indian American has been appointed as Executive director for Regions and
Center Operations at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a key federal aviation post of United
States (US).
As Executive director of FAA, Chaudhary will be responsible to
Execute and oversight aviation operations in 9 different regions of US as well as the FAA’s Mike
Monroney Aeronautical Center.
Execute a $288 million operating budget and lead over 2100 federal employees assigned to the
FAA in 9 regions.
About Ravi Chaudhary
Chaudhary is a former US Air Force officer with 21 years of service experience at various Air
Force bases. He also is a C17 pilot and had completed various assignments in Air Force
command, operational, engineering, and senior staff assignments.
He holds FAA commercial, instrument pilot and multiengine certificates. Since 2001 in his
deployments he has logged over 3000 hours as a pilot and flight test engineer which includes 760
combat hours.
In May 2014, US President Barack Obama had appointed him as a member of the President’s
Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).
Chaudhary holds a B.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Academy and M.S.
degree in industrial engineering as a NASA graduate fellow from St. Mary’s University.
About Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
FAA is a national aviation authority of the United States. At present it is part of the U.S. Department of
Transportation. It is nodal agency in US that regulates and oversees all aspects of American civil
aviation.
United Kingdom has become the first country to legalise the creation of threeparent IVF designer
babies using Mitochondrial Donation Technique.
In this regard, House of Lords has voted in voted in favour of the Bill that amends the Human
Fertilisation and Embryology Act (HFEA), 1990. Earlier on 3 February 2015, House of Commons had
passed the bill.
Now UK’s fertility regulator Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) will decide how to
license the procedure to prevent babies inheriting deadly genetic diseases. After legalisation and final
procedural nod from HFEA, the first baby may be born as early as 2016.
Implications
This law will help to prevent serious inherited diseases that are being passed on from mother to
child.
It will also help to remove the hereditary problems related to defective mitochondrial diseases that
has passed down through the generations.
Now in United Kingdom, women with hereditary mitochondrial diseases will be able to give birth to
healthy babies without transferring their hereditary diseases.
Advantages Mitochondrial Donation Technique
It does not allow passage of defective mitochondria from mother to babies.
Thus, preventing new born babies from dangerous diseases related brain damage, muscle
wasting, heart failure and blindness due to defective mitochondria.
First Hindu Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Rana Bhagwandas passed away in Karachi, Pakistan. He
was 72 year old.
He was the first Hindu and the second nonMuslim to head of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. First
nonMuslim CJP was Alvin Robert Cornelius (He was Christian).
About Rana Bhagwandas
Bhagwandas was born on 20 December 1942 in Naseerabad, Larkana district (now in Qamber
Shahdadkot district of Sindh province).
He was considered an expert on constitutional law and had a postgraduate degree in Islamic
Studies.
In 1967, two years after he started practicing as an advocate he was appointed as a judge. In
1994, he was appointed as a judge of the Sindh High Court.
In 2005 for first time he was appointed as acting Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) for few days and
again in 2006 during the absence of then CJP Iftikhar Chaudhry.
During the Pakistan’s judicial crisis of 2007, he was again appointed as acting Chief Justice.
After his retirement from Supreme Court, he was appointed as the chairman of Federal Public
Service Commission (FPSC) of Pakistan. In 2009, as chairman FPSC, he had headed the
interview panel for the selection of Pakistan’s Civil Servants.
Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co has appointed Takahiro Hachigo as its new President and
Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
He will assume charge in June 2015 and replace Takanobu Ito, who had stepped down from the top
most post in an unexpected move on 23 February 2015.
Prior to this appointment, Hachigo was Managing Officer of Honda Motor Co. and was appointed to
this post in April 2014.
He had joined Honda in 1982, and began his career in its automobile Research & Development
(R&D) operations, principally as an engineer in the area of chassis design.
Since then his career with Honda had spanned in several countries like United States, China and
United Kingdom.
About Honda Motor Co
Honda Motor Co is Japan’s third largest automaker after Toyota and Nissan. It is primarily
manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment.
Since 1959, Honda is the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. It is also world’s largest
manufacturer of internal combustion (producing 14 million internal combustion engines each
year).
It was established in 1946 by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa. Its headquarter is located at
Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
Sri Lankan Parliament has passed the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and
Witnesses Bill.
This bill aims at protecting the rights of criminal victims and witnesses especially in human rights
accountability.
Key provisions of enacted law
Compensation to witnesses who cooperate with investigations.
Strict punitive action against those who harass victims or witnesses.
Stringent punishment of prison sentence from three to 10 years to the culprits.
Witnesses will receive fair treatment and privacy from judicial and investigatory authorities and
protections against harassment.
Passage of this bill is seen as reflection of the Sri Lankan new government’s will to implement
reforms. It also seeks to fulfill a longheld international demand for justice and human rights
accountability in the country.
Background
Since 2012, for consecutive three years Sri Lanka had faced USbacked UN Human Rights
Council (UNHRC) resolutions on Human rights accountability.
UNHRC 2014 resolution also had mandated Sri Lanka to set up of an international investigation
into alleged human rights abuses during the 3 decadelong civil war that wiped out the LTTE.
Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed Major general Chrishantha de Silva as the
new Sri Lankan Army chief.
De Silva is the 21st Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, since the island nation gained
independence from Britain in 1948.
He will succeed Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake with effect from 22 February 2015.
De Silva had joined the Sri Lanka Army as cadet officer in 1980 and has served in many regions
including operational areas.
Along with this appointment, Sri Lanka’s new government reinstated the rank of former army Chief
General Sarath Fonseka, who was stripped of all ranks and was sentenced to jail by previous
President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
General Sarath Fonseka was Sri Lanka’s only fourstar general who had led the Army to defeat the
Tamil Tigers in 2009. In 2010, he had fallen out with Rajapaksa and challenged him in the election of
2010. Thereafter Fonseka was arrested, court martialled and jailed for corruption.
Thailand’s parliament under ruling military junta has passed a legislation banning commercial
surrogacy.
Provisions of new law
Completely bans foreign couples seeking to have children through Thai surrogate mothers.
Only married Thai couples or couples with one Thai partner who have been married at least three
years can seek surrogacy.
Forbids any middlemen or agencies, receiving any assets or benefits through the surrogacy
process.
Anyone who violates this law i.e. caught hiring a surrogate mother faces a maximum jail sentence
of 10 years. Agents will also face imprisonment if caught.
Ban on advertising and promotions, shuts down surrogate agents and unregistered clinics.
Background
Earlier in November 2014, Thailand’s Parliament had voted a draft bill to ban commercial
surrogacy. This draft bill banning commercial surrogacy was formulated to regulate the illegal
commercial surrogacy after outrage erupted over this unregulated industry.
This industry came under intense scrutiny after a series of surrogacy scandals broke in the country
involving foreigners.
United States (US) and Turkey have signed an agreement to train and arm moderate Syrian
opposition forces taking on Islamic State (IS) militants.
The deal was inked by Turkey’s foreign ministry undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu and US
ambassador to Ankara John Bass.
Key facts
Under the plan, the US will train about 5,000 Syrian fighters from the Free Syrian Army a year for
three years. To train these fighters US is planning to send more than 400 troops.
This deal marks important step for US President Barack Obama’s plan to turn moderate Syrian
rebels into ground forces that will wage war on IS militants.
While, Western and Arab countries assist them by providing airstrikes to stop IS militants.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar also have agreed to host similar training programmes which will begin in
March 2015.
India and United States have held their first ever bilateral dialogue on the UN and multilateral issues.
The dialogue was held in Washington, on the spirit of the Delhi Declaration of Friendship that
strengthens and expands the two countries’ relationship.
Indian delegation for dialogue was led by Ministry of External Affairs Joint Secretary Vikas Swarup
while the US delegation was led by Assistant Secretary of State for International Organisation Affairs
Sheba Crocker.
First bilateral dialogue provided an opportunity for both nations to discuss a wide range of important
issues.
It focused on issues like international peace and security, peacekeeping operations, counterpiracy. It
also discussed issues like Post2015 Development Agenda, UN Human Rights Council, and other
matters of mutual interest.
Background
In January 2015, during the US President Barack Obama’s visit to India, both nations had agreed to
elevate their longstanding strategic partnership.
In this regard both nations had signed Delhi Declaration of Friendship that strengthens and expands
the relationship between the two countries.
Rashad Hussain, an IndianAmerican has been appointed United States (US) Special Envoy and
Coordinator for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications.
He will hold both posts. Prior to this appointment, he was Special Envoy of the US to Organisation for
Islamic Countries (OIC).
As Special Envoy he will lead a staff from a number of U.S. departments and agencies to expand
global engagement and partnerships of the US to counter violent extremism.
As part of new role, he will also coordinate, orient, and inform governmentwide strategic
communications focused on violent extremists and terrorist organisations.
About Rashad Hussain
Rashad Hussain is son of Indian immigrants from state of Bihar.
In 2009 he had served as Deputy Associate Counsel to US President Barack Obama and focused
issues related to national security, new media, and science and technology.
He had also served as Director for Global Engagement at the National Security Council (NSC) and
as a Special Assistant US Attorney in Washington, where he had prosecuted criminal cases.
Award In 2013, he was awarded US Distinguished Honor Award for his exceptionally outstanding
service to the agencies of the US Government.
Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel Limited has partnered with United Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF) to provide health, education and youthfocussed content to its customers in 17 African
countries.
In this regard, Bharti Airtel limited and UNICEF have signed partnership agreement.
Partnership between them aims to improve African population’s access to health and education
related information from various innovative projects supported by UNICEF.
This agreement will help UNICEF to tap into Airtel’s mobile services to spread its health, education
and youthfocused content to Airtel customers across the 17 African countries.
Through Airtel’s improved connectivity, mobile applications and services developed by UNICEF, such
as eduTrac, mTrac and Ureport will be freely accessible to Africans in these 17 countries.
Thus, by improving connectivity, this partnership seeks to empower millions of African children and
youth with information and opportunities to help them become agents of change in their societies.
Croatia’s first female President Kolinda GrabarKitarovic was sworn in on 15 February 2015.
She is Croatia’s fourth president since its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. The Croatian
president has a largely ceremonial role and has term a fiveyear term.
In January 2015 election runoff, Kolinda GrabarKitarovic had narrowly defeated her leftwing
predecessor Ivo Josipovic. In this election she had secured 50.5% of the votes while her predecessor
Ivo Josipovic had secured 49.5% votes.
About Kolinda GrabarKitarovic
Kolinda GrabarKitarovic is member of Croatia’s politically conservative Croatian Democratic Union
(HDZ) party, which had played in the country’s independence.
She was also the first woman appointed as Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy at
NATO and was in office from 2011 until 2014.
Prior to this Kitarovic was also the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Croatia from 2005 to 2008 and
Croatia’s Ambassador to the United States from 2008 to 2011.
India and Sri Lanka have signed an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation, Cultural cooperation
during Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Maithripala Sirisen fourday visit to India.
Sri Lanka has signed first such bilateral agreement on civil nuclear cooperation.
Following agreements were signed between India and Sri Lanka
Agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy It will facilitate the
transfer and exchange of knowledge and expertise, resources in peaceful uses of Nuclear energy
between both nations. This agreement also includes capacity building and training of personnel for
nuclear security, radioactive waste management and nuclear and radiological disaster mitigation
and environmental protection.
Programme of Cultural cooperation between both nations for years 201518 –It seeks to
enhance cooperation in different fields like arts, visuals arts, cultural documentation, archeology,
handicrafts etc between both nations.
MoU on establishment of Nalanda University It will enable Sri Lanka to participate in India’s
Nalanda University project.
Work Plan 201415 under MoU on Cooperation in the field of Agriculture It will facilitate
bilateral cooperation in Agro Processing, Agricultural extension, horticulture, agricultural
machinery, training in farm mechanization, livestock diseases, etc. between relevant institutes and
organizations from both countries.
Affairs Today
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a unanimous resolution to resolve the
political and security crisis in Yemen.
In this regard, Resolution 2201 (2015) was adopted unanimously, at 15 nations UNSC’s emergency
meeting.
UNSC in its adopted resolution has asked for immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Shia Houthi
rebel forces from Yemen’s government institutions in its capital Sanaa.
It also has sought the release of President Mansour Hadi and his Cabinet from house arrest, and
urged Houthi rebels to engage in good faith in U.N. led peace talks.
Background
The UN resolution comes a day after foreign ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) had urged
the U.N. to intervene in order to maintain regional security.
dissolving Yemen’s government and parliament in January 2015 after taking control of key
government buildings in capital Sanaa including Presidential Palace.
Amidst security concerns, nine Arab and Western countries have closed their embassies in Yemen
and evacuated diplomats. It include’s countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Germany,
Britain, France and Italy.
China has opened new embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. It is the largest overseas diplomatic mission
of China.
An opening ceremony of this embassy was held on 13 February 2015, during China’s Foreign
Minister Wang Yi ‘s three day visit to Pakistan. During the opening ceremony Wang Yi has described
its largest overseas embassy as a symbol of friendship between China and Pakistan.
However, China has not disclosed the details of the new embassy.
The opening of China’s largest Islamabad based embassy came after China and Pakistan deepen
their all weather relations by constructing the multibillion Economic Corridor through the Pakistan
Occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.Economic Corridor through PoK, is part of the China’s ambititous Silk
Road projects which is proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. This Corridor aims to connect
China’s Xinjiang province with Pakistan’s Gwadar Port located in Balochistan.At present, China
maintains large diplomatic missions abroad, including in Washington, New York and New Delhi. Its
mission in New Delhi has over 300 personnel.
In recently released World Press Freedom Index (WPFI), India was placed at 136th rank out of 180
nations surveyed worldwide in terms of press freedom in 2015.
In WPFI 2015, India has shown improvement from its rank of 140 in 2014. However, India’s absolute
score has declined from 40.34 to 40.49.
Top 10 countries: Finland (1st), Norway (2nd), Denmark (3rd), Netherlands (4th), Sweden (5th),
New Zealand (6th), Austria (7th), Canada (8th), Jamaica (9th), Estonia (10th).
India’s Neighbours: Sri Lanka (165th), Pakistan (159th), Afghanistan (122th), China (176th),
Bangladesh (146th).
About World Press Freedom Index (WPFI)
World Press Freedom Index is produced by Francebased international nongovernmental
organization Reporters Without Borders (RWB), or Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF).
The WPFI ranks the performance of countries according to index calculated based upon various
parameters.
These parameters include media pluralism and independence, respect for the safety and freedom
of journalists, and the legislative, institutional and infrastructural environment in which the media
operate.
WPFI aims to promotes and defends freedom of information and freedom of the press.
Unmanned SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has been successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station, Florida on its third attempt.
It was carrying unmanned Deep Space Climate Observatory satellite. This satellite will be used by the
US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to monitor the Sun.
It will particularly monitor changes in solar wind and provide warnings on hazardous outbursts from
our star to warn forecasters. In turn it will help forecasters to predict changes which affect satellites,
power grids and communication systems.
About SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
Falcon 9 rocket is a twostage rocket designed and manufactured by Space Exploration
Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) a private space transport services company.
It is basically used for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into
orbit. It is powered by liquid oxygen (LOX) and rocketgrade kerosene (RP1) propellants.
In 2008, the Falcon 9 and Dragon capsule combination had won a Commercial Resupply Services
(CRS) contract from NASA to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) under the Commercial
Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program.
World’s first humanoid robotstaffed hotel is set to open in Nagasaki, Japan in July 2015.
The Hennna Hotel which means Strange Hotel will be employing Robots as its staff and other
advanced technologies in order to significantly reduce operating costs.
The hotel will come up with a Huis Ten Bosch theme park which is named after a town of
Netherlands.
Some facts
The hotel has been developed by Japan’s Osaka University and its robots are manufactured by
the Japanese robotics company Kokoro.
This hotel will implement in two phases. In the first phase, the twostory of hotel with 72 rooms will
begin its operation in July 2015. While, the second phase will be completed in 2016 with an
additional 72 rooms.
Robot employees
The hotel will be staffed with actroid androids – which are humanlike robots.
These robots will function as humans to greet, carry luggage to rooms, make cups of coffee and
even smile like. These robots will speak Japanese, Chinese, Korean and English.
The hotel will have three robots that will act as receptionists, four service and porter robots, and
robots engaged in menial tasks such as cleaning.
Other advanced technologies
The hotel has facialrecognition technology to access the Guestroom doors of the hotels. While,
Guests will request items through a tablet when needed.
It will be not having airconditioning, instead of it a radiation panel will be used. This panel will
detect body heat in rooms and adjust the temperature.
Advance solar power and other energysaving features will be used in order to reduce operating
costs.
China has launched first cruise liner to sail via its ambitious transcontinental initiative Maritime Silk
Road (MSR).
The cruise liner sailed off from the Beihai port located in southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang
Autonomous Region.
On its maiden voyage, cruise liner will visit three SouthEast Asian nations including Malaysia,
Vietnam and the Gulf of Thailand.
This cruise liner is 135metrelong 20metrewide ship and can accommodate about 400 people. It
also equipped with wireless Internet access.
About Maritime Silk Road (MSR)
The 21st century MSR project is an initiative by China to resurrect the ancient maritime Silk Road.
It is perceived to be an attempt by China to ameliorate relations with South and Southeast Asia in
this case the focus is on maritime trade security.
The project will prioritize construction ports and infrastructure, industrial parks in strategically
significant countries in Southeast Asia, the Mideast, Africa, Europe and the Indian Ocean region,
which includes Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
China has already begun building of port projects in Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka)
and Chittagong (Bangladesh) respectively.
China has announced a USD 40 billion Silk Road fund which became operational in February
2015 for attracting small countries in the projects.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has survived a spill vote of confidence on his leadership in the
Liberal Party.
In a Liberal party room voting, the ruling Liberal Party voted to defeat the leadership spill motion by
61 to39 votes. The party decided to not open up the top positions to contenders.
Tony Abbott was elected as the Prime Minister of Australia in September 2013.
Background
Earlier in first week of February, some MPs from Abbott’s Liberal Party openly had called a spill vote
of confidence after his decline in popularity and poor ratings due to series of policy backflips.
The main aim of motion was to declare vacant the positions of party leader and deputy leader
currently occupied by Abbott and Deputy Prime Minister Julie Bishop.
The 57th Annual Grammy Awards were announced at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Category Album Artist
Best album of the
year Morning Phase Beck Hansen
Best record of the
year Stay With Me Sam Smith
Best song of the
Stay With Me James Napier, William
year
Phillips & Sam Smith
Best new artist – Sam Smith
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For
Children’s Album Education And Changed The World (Malala
Neela Vaswani
Yousafzai)
Best Pop solo
Happy (Live) Pharrell Williams
performance
Best Pop
Duo/Group A Great Big World With
Say Something
Performance Christina Aguilera
Indian’s in 57th Annual Grammy Awards
This year two Indians have won Grammy Awards. They are
Ricky Kej His collaborated album Winds of Samsara won the Best New Age Album Trophy.
Neela Vaswani She won award in Children’s Album category for her album I Am Malala: How
One Girl Stood Up For Education And Changed The World (Malala Yousafzai).
About Grammy AwardsGrammy Awards (originally were called Gramophone Awards) are the
recording industry’s most prestigious award presented annually by National Academy of Recording
Arts and Sciences (NARAS) of the United States. It should be noted that NARAS is also known
as The Recording Academy.They are awarded to artists and technical professionals for their
outstanding achievements in the music industry.The awards are presented to recipients at the annual
presentation ceremony which features performances by prominent artists, and the presentation of
those awards that have a more popular interest.The first Grammy Awards ceremony was held on 4
May 1959.
A painting of two Tahitian girls named as Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry) by the French artist
Paul Gauguin has been sold for 300 million dollars.
It makes the painting as the most expensive work of art ever sold. This painting was painted in 1892
and was sold to a museum in Qatar.
This painting broke the previous highest price record for a painting by Paul Cezanne, sold in 2011 for
a reported 158 million dollars to Qatar.
About Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin was French PostImpressionist artist of 19th century.
He was recognized for his experimental use of color and synthetist style that were distinguishably
different from Impressionism.
His work had influenced the French avantgarde and many modern artists, such as Pablo Picasso
and Henri Matisse.
Gauguin’s art became popular after his death and many of his paintings were in the possession of
Russian collector Sergei Shchukin.
United Nation’s SecretaryGeneral Ban Kimoon has appointed Nickolay Mladenov of Bulgaria as
new Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative to the
Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority.
He will replace Robert Serry of the Netherlands and oversee the ongoing UNbacked reconstruction
efforts in Gaza.
This reconstruction is undertaken by UN, after thousands of people were displaced in July 2014
during the month long IsraelPalestinian conflict.
About Nickolay Mladenov
Prior to this appointment, he was head of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).
Earlier, he was a Member of the European Parliament for Bulgaria.
Nickolay Mladenov also has served as Bulgaria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of
Defence.
Greek Parliament has elected Zoe Konstantopoulou, a member of the left wing party Syriza as its
new President.
She was elected after receiving a record number of 235 of 300 deputies’ votes in the Parliament.
With this win, she has the record of more votes a President of parliament received after the
restoration of democracy in Greece in 1974.
She is second woman from Greek to be President of country after Anna PsaroudaBenaki who was
elected in 2004. Zoe Konstantopoulou is also the youngest ever elected as President of the Greek
Parliament.
About Zoe Konstantopoulou
She is a lawyer by profession and specialized in National, European and International Criminal Law
and Human Rights.
She was first elected in the Greek parliament in 2012 with the left wing party Syriza from the First
Athens District.
Tunisia Parliament has approved the first historic coalition government after the Arab spring.
In this regard, 166 out of 204 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favor of the new cabinet
proposed by the Prime Minister Habib Essid. The new coalition Government comprised of liberal
Nida Tounes party, moderate Islamist Ennahda party and the Free Patriotic party.
In the coalition government, Nidaa Tounes party holds 6 portfolios, including the foreign
ministry. While, the interior, defence and justice portfolios have been given to independents. Ennahda
party holds labour ministry and three secretary of state posts.
Background
In October election 2014, Nidaa Tounes party had won the most seats in country’s first free
presidential and Parliamentary elections in the wake of 2011 Arab Spring. They had formed a
coalition government after the election. While, Beji Caid Essebsi was elected as President.
Arab Spring Tunisia was birth place of Arab Spring which started in 2011 to overthrow country’s
longtime dictator Ben Ali. Later it spread to many parts of the Arab countries like Egypt, Libya, Syria
and Yemen.
In every country except Tunisia the revolution had turned violent. In case of Syria it turned into civil
war.
United States (US) President Barack Obama has appointed Indian CEO Ajay Banga as member of
the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations (ACTPN).
ACTPN is the US president’s privatesector advisory panel on international trade and helps him
to coordinate trade related policies and resolve disagreements.
This appointment came along with several other appointments to key US administration posts.
About Ajay Banga
At present, Ajay Banga is chairman of the US India Business Council.
Since 2009, he is president and CEO of MasterCard. Prior to joining MasterCard, he had held
various senior management roles in Citigroup from 1996 to 2009 and has served as CEO of
Citigroup Asia Pacific.
Ajay Banga also served as Director for Marketing and Business Development at PepsiCo
Restaurants International India from 1994 to 1996.
He had started his career at Nestle India, where he served in various sales and management
roles from 1981 to 1994.
At present he is a member of the Board of Directors of MasterCard and The Dow Chemical
Company.
He holds a postgraduate diploma in management (PGDM) from Indian Institute of Management,
Ahmedabad (IIMA). He also has received a BA degree from St Stephen’s College of Delhi
University.
Former US judge Mary McGowan Davis was appointed as the new head of United Nations Human
Rights Council’s (UNHRC’s) Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict.
She will replace William Schabas who had resigned after Israel accused him of a conflict of interest
for the consultancy work he done for the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in October, 2012.
Earlier, McGowan Davis had served as a justice on New York’s Supreme Court, and chaired the UN
followup committee to probe into the 20082009 war between Israel and Hamas.
Background
Earlier in August 2014, UNHRC had appointed three members Independent Commission of Inquiry
on the 2014 Gaza Conflict. This commission was tasked to probe possible war crimes and human
rights violations during a month long conflict in Gaza in July 2014.
In this month long conflict more than 2,100 Palestinians, most of them civilians, 67 Israeli soldiers and
6 civilians in Israel were killed.
It was headed by William Schabas and included Amal Alamuddin and Doudou Diene as members.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) has released its third
annual international intellectual property (IP) index list.
In this list India is placed at 29th rank among the 30 countries. While, US has been placed at the top
in the list and Thailand at last position.
Key facts
In this edition of IP Index, India has scored a low 7.23 out of maximum 30 points. While, US
topped with score of 28.53 among the 30 countries surveyed, making it the global leader in
protecting IP.
It should be noted that in 2012 and 2014 GIPC Index, India was ranked last in the list, due to
deterioration of IP climate in country.
But in 2015 GIPC Index, India has moved up by 1 position to 29th rank because of steps taken by
the Union Government to address the concerns of international community related to the IP rights.
About GIPC’s Intellectual property (IP) index
It was started in 2012 and the first edition compared national IP environment in 11 economies. Now,
this index is represented by 30 countries around the world which represents 80 per cent of the
world’s gross domestic product (GDP).
It is based upon 30 measurable criteria which includes patent, copyright and trademark protections,
enforcement, and engagement in international treaties.
Members of Parliament (MPs) in United Kingdom (UK) have voted to legalise law for creation of
threeparent IVF designer babies using Mitochondrial Donation Technique.
In this regard, MPs in House of Commons during free vote, voted in favour of amendment bill to
amend Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, 1990 by 382 to 128 votes.
With this historic move, UK is now set to become the first country to introduce law to allow the
creation of babies from three people. Now this amendment bill needs to be passed in House of
Lords.
What is Mitochondrial Donation Technique?
It uses a modified version of In vitro fertilisation (IVF) to combine the DNA of the two parents with
the healthy mitochondria of a donor woman. This technique was first pioneered by scientists at
Newcastle University, UK.
This technique involves addition of healthy mitochondria from donor women to an egg from other
women with defective mitochondria. Then it is fertilized with man’s sperm.
In this process, healthy mitochondria is passed to a child from the mother.
Advantage: It does not allow passage of defective mitochondria from mother to babies. Thus,
preventing new born babies from brain damage, muscle wasting, heart failure and blindness due
to defective mitochondria.
Mitochondria: It is a tiny compartment inside cell within the body that converts food in usable
energy. It is also called as the powerhouse of the cell.
As per United Nations Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, China has
overtaken the United States (US) as the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
US was on top as foreign investment destination for past 11 years i.e. since 2003.
Key facts from UNCTAD report
In 2014, foreign firms had invested 128 billion dollars in China compared to 86 billion invested in
the US.
The growth in China’s foreign investment had benefited the services sector as manufacturing had
slowed in 2014.
Hong Kong stood at the second spot after China and ahead of US with foreign investment of 111
billion dollars.
Globally, foreign investment had fallen by 8% to a total of $1.26trillion in 2014. The reasons cited
for this decline was partly due to the fragility of the global economy due geopolitical risks.
In 2014, the foreign investment in developing nations had increased by 4%, whereas developed
nations saw a decline of 14 percent, mostly due to the large fall in the US.
Top 10 foreign investment destinations in 2014
Rank Country FDI*
1 China 128
2 Hong Kong 111
3 United States 86
4 Singapore 81
5 Brazil 62
6 United Kingdom 61
7 Canada 53
8 Australia 49
9 Netherlands 42
10 Luxembourg 36
Note: * in billion dollars.
Russia, India and China have called for an early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive
Convention on International Terrorism in the RIC Forum held in Beijing.
In this regard, a joint communiqué was issued by 3 nations in the 13th trilateral meeting of foreign
ministers, under this forum.
India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Chinese foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian
foreign Minister Sergey Levrov had participated in the meeting.
Key highlights of RIC Forum
Condemned terrorism Participating countries strongly condemned terrorism in all forms. They
even mentioned that there can be no ideological, political, racial, ethnic or any other justification
for acts of terrorism.
Join efforts to combat terrorism Ministers affirmed the need for all countries to join efforts in
combating terrorism under the auspices of United Nations.
Support to India Russia and China supported India’s aspiration to play a greater role in the
United Nations. They also welcomed India’s application for full membership of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Economic front All members expressed their support for the forthcoming WTO 10th Ministerial
conference in December 2015, to expand their cooperation in several areas including agriculture,
medical services and disaster relief.
Other Issues They also discussed various issues including efforts to counter the threat of use of
information and communication technologies for military and terrorism purposes, preventing arms
race in outer space, solution to Iranian nuclear issue, latest developments in Syria, Israel
Palestine conflict and current crisis in Ukraine.
The next trilateral meeting of the RIC Forum will be held in Russia later in 2015.
Pakistan has conducted a successful flight test of the indigenously developed Air Launched Cruise
Missile (ALCM) Ra’ad.
This successful launch has helped Pakistan to achieve strategic standoff capability both on land and
at sea.
Key facts about Ra’ad missile
Designed to operate with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircraft’s like Dassault Mirage III ROSE and JF
17 combat aircraft.
Range of 350 kms and stealth capabilities due to its cruise technology.
High maneuverability capabilities that can deliver nuclear and conventional warheads with pin
point accuracy.
Low altitude missile designed to attack fixed enemy installations such as radar posts, command
nodes and stationary surface to air missile launchers at standoff range
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched Soil Moisture Active Passive
(SMAP) satellite to observe soil moisture.
It was launched from the Delta 2 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite
SMAP satellite is threeyear mission which will measure the amount of moisture in soil.
The satellite is built to measure moisture in the top 2 inches (5 centimeters) of soil. It can measure
the moisture content of the soil from its spot in orbit about 426 miles (685 kilometers) above
Earth’s surface.
SMAP satellite will produce highresolution global maps from space and data collected from it will
help scientists to monitor droughts and improve flood forecasts.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory located in Pasadena, California is responsible for SMAP satellite
project management, system engineering, mission operations and the ground data system.
SMAP is going to take realtime measurements that will be incorporated into forecasts and replace
current drought mapping and flash flood guidance mechanism as it issued based on computer
modeling.
Applications: It will help to monitor drought, predict floods, assist crop productivity, weather
forecasting and linking water, Energy and Carbon Cycles.
Germany’s former President Richard von Weizsaecker has passed away on 31 January 2015. He
was 94.
He was in office as President for 10 years, from 1984 to 1994. His tenure also spanned the period of
German reunification (Reunion of East and West Germany).
Richard von Weizsaecker
He was a soldier in the German army in World War II. Later, he was a member of the Christian
Democratic Union.
In 1980’s, he had served as the governing mayor of West Berlin.
He was elected as President for first time in 1984. In 1989, he was elected unopposed to a second
term. During his second term he oversaw the initial years of a reunited Germany as President
(largely a ceremonial presidency).
As a President he had won widespread praise worldwide for his efforts to persuade Germans to
confront their Nazi past.
In 1986, he had addressed a joint session of the UK parliament thus becoming the first German to
do so.
Renowned chemist Carl Djerassi has passed away in San Francisco, United States (US). He was 91.
He was famously known as the father of the birth control pills for his contribution to the development
of oral contraceptive birth pills.
About Carl Djerassi
He was born on 29 October 1923.
In 1951, he had led a research team in Mexico City that developed a synthetic molecule
norethindrone– a key component of the first birth control pill.
Later, he had submitted many research papers on birth control pills. It includes a public policy
article about the global implications of U.S. contraceptive research in 1969 and another article
about the feasibility of a birth control pill for men in 1970.
It should be noted that the first birthcontrol pill approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (USFDA) was Enovid, developed Frank Colton at G.D. Searle & Co and not by
him.
He was also professor emeritus of chemistry at Stanford University and had written many poems,
short stories and plays with an emphasis on mixing science and literature. Some of the poems
reflected his life as a chemist.
Awards: For his work on the contraceptive pills he was awarded US’s prestigious award National
Medal of Science (1973), National Medal of Technology (1991). He was also inducted into the
Inventors Hall of Fame in 1978 for his research.
Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has been appointed as Chairman of African Union (AU).
He will be 13th Chairman of African Union (AU) and succeed Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould
Abdel Aziz for a oneyear term. The position of chairman of the AU is a rotating one on yearly basis
and largely ceremonial.
Robert Mugabe: He has ruled Zimbabwe since independence. He is Zimbabwe’s longest serving
President and had assumed office in December 1987. Currently, he is also chairman of the 15nation
Southern African Development Community.
African Union (AU)
It is the successor of Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and came into existence in 2002 at
Durban summit in South Africa.
Headquarters: It is located at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Motto: A United and Strong Africa.
Objective: As panAfrican organization, AU aims at promoting unity and cooperation among
African nations. It also strives to spread democracy and good governance in the continent.
Members: At present the African Union has a total of 54 members. Morocco is the only African
country which is not the part of the Union.
Sri Lanka’s new government led by President Maithiripala Sirisena has reinstated former Chief
Justice Shirani Bhandaranayake to her former position.
She was impeached by the previous government of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
With this move, country’s new government is attempting to deliver on election promises assuring
independence of the judiciary.
Shirani Bhandaranayake was 43rd and first woman Chief Justice of Sri Lanka appointed in May
2011.
In 2013, she was unceremoniously removed from this post after she was impeached in late 2012.
Earlier in January 2015, Sri Lanka’s new government had reinstated the rank of former army Chief
General Sarath Fonseka, who was stripped of all ranks and sentenced to jail by Rajapaksa.
General Sarath Fonseka was Sri Lanka’s only fourstar general who had led the Army to defeat the
Tamil Tigers in 2009. In 2010, he had fallen out with Rajapaksa and challenged him in the election of
2010. Thereafter Fonseka was arrested, court martialled and jailed for corruption.
Famous Greek singer Demis Roussos passed away in Athens, Greek. He was 68.
He was best known for his hit operatic pop ballads in the 1970s and 1980s and for his highpitched
voice and melodies inspired by Greek folklore which sold about 60 million records worldwide.
About Demis Roussos
He was born as Artemios Ventouris Roussos in Alexandria, Egypt in 1946.
He had started his music career at age of 17, when he joined band called The Idols.
He was best known for his solo hits in the 1970s and 80s, including Forever and Ever, Goodbye
and Quand je t’aime.
He was also a member of progressive rock group Aphrodite’s Child.
In Greece, antiausterity Syriza party has won general election.In this election Syriza party has won
about half the seats in Parliament.While the earlier ruling government led by outgoing Prime Minister
Antonis Samaras of centreright New Democracy party has been placed second.Syriza party
It was formed in 2004 as an umbrella group. Syriza an acronym means the Radical Coalition of
the Left.
It is led by Alexis Tsipras and first came to prominence following the 2008 Greek riots.
In this general election, Syriza Party has promised to end Greece’s painful austerity measures and
wants to renegotiate its debt.
Edgar Lungu has sworn in as Zambia’s sixth President.
He was declared elected as President in elections held at 24 January 2015 to replace the late
Michael Sata, who died in office in October 2014.
In this election his ruling party Patriotic Front (PF) won with a narrow margin by securing 48.33
percent of total votes over his rival Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development
(UPND).
He will be in office and lead southern African nation for the remainder term of Sata’s until next a
general election scheduled in September 2016.
Edgar Lungu is former defence minister from the Zambia’s ruling Patriotic Front (PF).
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II is now the world’s oldest living monarch. Currently she is 88 years old.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz was oldest living monarch but he died on 23
January 2015.
It should be noted that, Queen Elizabeth II is one of the eight octogenarian monarchs in the world.
Others include the King of Thailand and the Emperor of Japan.
Queen Elizabeth II
She was born on 21 April 1926.
She acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952 after her father, King George VI died.
In 1945, she had actively joined World War II as a driver in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial
Service (WATS).
She is also the second longest reigning monarch in British history, behind her greatgreat
grandmother Queen Victoria.
She is Queen of 16 of the 53 member states in the Commonwealth of Nations. She is also Head of
the Commonwealth and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
Thailand’s militaryappointed legislature has voted to impeach former Prime Minister Yingluck
Shinawatra.
She was impeached for her role in overseeing a government rice subsidy program that lost billions of
dollars.
More than threefifths i.e. 190 legislatures voted against Yingluck in the legislature of 220 members.
It should be noted that, for this impeachment more than threefifths votes of the legislatures
was required.
Most members of the legislature who voted against her are part of the military or political opponents
her government and past governments allied with her brother Thaksin Shinawatra (former Prime
Minister who was ousted in a 2006 coup).
This impeachment means she will be banned from politics for five years.
While, Thailand’s military government is also planning to indict criminal charges on her for negligence
related to losses and alleged corruption in the rice scheme. If she is convicted, she could face 10
years in jail.
Saraswathi Menon, an eminent Indian academician has been named on advisory panel to Review UN
PeaceBuilding Architecture.
She is among seven experts nominated by UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Kimoon to conduct a policy
and institutional review on UN’s peacebuilding architecture and make recommendations.
The other 6 experts are: Anis Bajwa (Pakistan), Funmi Olonisakin (Nigeria), Sahel Sahara Ahmedou
OuldAbdallah (Mauritania), Charles Petrie (France), Gert Rosenthal (Guatemala) and Edith Grace
Ssempala (Uganda).
7 expert’s advisory group function:
It will undertake studies in countries like Burundi, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, South
Sudan, and TimorLeste in order to conduct a policy and institutional review of the UN peace
building architecture.
It will also develop findings and recommendations based on this work.
The group will submit a report to the General Assembly and the Security Council for further
consideration through an intergovernmental process.
Background
Earlier in December 2014, the Presidents of the UN General Assembly and the Security Council had
asked the SecretaryGeneral to nominate up to seven experts to form an Advisory Group on the
review of the peacebuilding architecture.
About Saraswathi Menon
She is former Director of the Policy Division in UNWomen and has extensive experience as a
researcher and academician as well as in the UN system.
Earlier she was Director of UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) Evaluation Office.
Her UN career includes experience in both policy and programme areas. She has served in UNDP
as Resident Coordinator, Deputy Resident Representative in various countries.
Before joining the UNDP, she was lecturer in sociology at the Madras University, Tamil Nadu.
President Mansour Hadi of Yemen along with Prime Minister Khaled Bahah and his cabinet have
resigned.
Yemen government’s resignation comes after the President agreed to the demands of Shia Houthi
rebels, who had stormed his palace and private home in Sana’a (Capital of Yemen) earlier.
However parliament speaker Yahia alRai refused to accept the President’s resignation.
Who are Shia Houthi rebels of Yemen?
This rebel group takes its name from Hussein Badreddin alHouthi, their former commander, who
was killed by Yemeni army forces in September 2004.
They adhere to a branch of Shia Islam known as Zaidism (a sect of Islam exclusively present in
Yemen).
These rebels are members of a group also known as Ansar Allah (Partisans of God). They are
fighting to win greater autonomy for their heartland of Saada province, and also to protect Zaidi
religious and cultural traditions from perceived encroachment by Sunni Islamists.
It should be noted that Zaidis make up onethird of the population of Yemen. They had ruled North
Yemen under a system known as the imamate for almost 1,000 years which came to end in 1962.
After death of Hussein Badreddin alHouthi, his successors had led five uprisings. But in 2010,
ceasefire was signed between Yemeni government and Houthi rebels.
But current crisis began after President Hadi had declared that Yemen will be federation of six
regions by drafting constitution in February 2014.
Houthi rebels have rejected this draft constitution creating federation of six regions in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has passed away. He was 93year old patriarch.
Abdullah’s brother Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is his successor and new King of Saudi Arabia.
Salman in turn, has named his halfbrother Muqrin as the new crown prince and his heir.
Earlier, king Salman was the Crown Prince and defence minister since 2012. He was also the
Governor of Riyadh province for five decades before that.
About Abdullah bin Abdulaziz
He was born in Riyadh in August 1924 (although actual date is disputed).
In 1962, he was appointed commander of the Saudi National Guard.
In 1982, he became crown prince and first deputy prime minister when King Fahd succeeded King
Khalid.
In August 2005, he succeeded to the throne following the death of then King Fahd. He had
handled the affairs of the country for a decade, before when his predecessor King Fahd suffered a
debilitating stroke.
He played important role in introducing the cautious changes in ultraconservative Muslim kingdom
by bringing significant reforms in the country. These include increased women’s rights and
economic deregulation.
Under his leadership Saudi Kingdom joined hand with its powerful ally U.S. to fight against al
Qaida.
King Abdullah had been the guiding force behind Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC) as the Head of world’s largest crude oil producer and exporter.
Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. has topped in global vehicle sales in 2014 by selling 10.23
million vehicles, beating Volkswagen and General Motors.
While, Germen automaker Volkswagen AG is second in global vehicle sales list and has sold 10.14
million vehicles in 2014.
Detroitbased General Motors (GM) is third in the list and has sold at 9.92 million vehicles.
Some facts
In 2014, Toyota’s sales grew 6 per cent in the U.S, 13 per cent in China, and 10 per cent in Brazil
compared to year 2013.
But in 2011, company had suffered a setback in top position rank, when its production was hit by
the earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan but it made a comeback as No. 1 in 2012.
It should be noted that, GM was topselling automaker for more than seven decades. But in 2008,
it was surpassed by Toyota.
Doctors from United Kingdom (UK) have carried out the first successful organ donation from a
newborn baby.
It is considered as a milestone in neonatal care after donor’s kidneys and liver were used to save the
lives of two patients.
Successful organ donation involved
Kidneys, which were transplanted into a patient with renal failure.
Liver cells (hepatocytes), which were transfused into a further recipient.
The donor was sixdayold baby girl who had died after she was born in extremely poor health. After
donors death, her parents had given their consent for organ donation in order to benefit of other sick
patients.
Implication: In future organ donation from newborns will play significant role in saving the lives
sick newborns dying due to organ failure.
The 5th General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has began in
Abu Dhabi.
Government leaders from more than 150 countries including India and representatives from more
than 110 international organizations are taking part in this two day meet.
5th meet of IRENA seeks to address global issues like enhancing the share of renewable energy in
the overall energy mix and to tackle global challenges like climate change, energy access and energy
security.
About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
It is an intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable use of renewable
energy. It is the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information exchange within its
member nations.
It was founded in 2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010.
Members: In total it has 138 Members. India is one of the 33 Permanent members of IRENA.
One of Egypt’s best known actresses Faten Hamama has passed away. She was 83.
She was known as the Lady of the Arabic Screen and was a star of the golden age of Egyptian
cinema.
About Faten Hamama
She was born in 1931. She had started her film career in 1939, when she was only 7 years old in
Youm Saeed (Happy Day), alongside legendary singer Mohamed Abdel Wehab.
She was an Arab film icon who had appeared in almost 100 films.
Her film career was at its peak in the 1950s when she met fellow threetime Golden Globe winner
actor Omar Sharif, later whom she married.
She played important role in improving the cinema industry in Egypt and emphasized the
importance of women in cinema and Egyptian society.
She had appeared in films including Struggle in the Valley (1954), The Nightingale’s Prayer (1959),
I Want a Solution (1974) and The Night of Fatima’s Arrest (1985).
She also had appeared on several TV shows, such as 1992’s Dameer Abla Hekmat (The
Conscience of Mrs. Hekmat) and 2000’s Wagh AlQamar (Face of the Moon).
New travel and trade rules between the United States (US) and Cuba have come into effect on 16
January 2015.
It is considered as biggest policy shift between the two countries in more than 50 years after
restrictions were imposed on travel and trade .
New travel and trade rules between the US and Cuba
It allows US citizens to use credit cards in Cuba and US businesses to export some technologies.
Earlier this facility was not available to US citizens.
It also allowed US citizens to take home up to 100 dollar in alcohol and tobacco from Cuba.
Background
These new travel and trade rules are implemented after US and Cuba agreed to reestablish
diplomatic ties between the two countries in December 2014.
Enmity between US government and Cuba’s communist government started in 1959 after the
Cuban revolution led by Fidel Castro had overthrown then Cuban President Fulgencio Batista.
In 1961, Cuba had broken all its diplomatic relations with US and had joined hands with US cold
war rival Soviet Union. During this time, US had imposed travel and trade ban on Cuba.
Enmity between both nations had attained its peak in 1962 after Cuban missile crisis that brought
whole world to the brink of nuclear war.
But after the fall of Soviet Union in 1991, Cuba was left alone without any strong international
support.
A Britishbuilt space probe Beagle 2 has been found on the surface of Mars, 11 years after it was
thought that it was lost on Mars.
It was discovered in the highresolution images taken by HiRISE camera mounted on NASA’s Mars
Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO).
Thus, its discovery has ended the decade long mystery of what happened to the mission since 2003.
After the discovery, the Royal Society has announced an award in commemoration of Prof Colin
Pillinger (died in 2014) who was Principal Investigator of Beagle2 probe.
About Beagle2
Beagle2 was released to its landing trajectory from its mother craft European Space Agency’s
Mars Express (MEx) orbiter on 19 December 2003.
After its release, it was due to land six days later on Mars surface using parachutes and airbags.
But nothing was heard from probe’s radio contact after its scheduled touchdown.
It was assumed by many scientists that it had been destroyed in a highvelocity impact during
landing.
United States has designated Maulana Fazlullah, chief of TehrikeTaliban Pakistan (TTP) an outfit
of Pakistan’s Taliban, as global terrorist and has imposed sanctions against him.
It was announced after US Secretary of State John Kerry had asked Pakistan to target all terror
outfits like the LashkareTaiba, Taliban and the Haqqani Network that pose a threat to itself,
neighbours like India and to US.
What does it means?
Being designated as global terrorist, all the property and interests of Maulana Fazlullah that are in
US or that come within the US, or the possession or control of US persons will be freezed.
It also prohibits US nationals against engaging in transactions with Maulana Fazlullah.
Why Maulana Fazlullah is designated as global terrorist?
In November 2013, he was elected as TTP chief commander after the death of former TTP leader
Hakimullah Mehsud.
Under his leadership, TTP had carried out barbaric attack on army school in Peshawar on 16
December 2014, killing at least 150 people, mostly children.
In 2012, prior to becoming the leader of TTP, he was behind the killing of Pakistani Army Major
General Sanaullah Niazi as well as ordering the shooting of schoolgirl and activist Malala
Yousafzai (later won Nobel peace prize2014).
He is also responsible for the beheading of 17 Pakistani soldiers.
It should be noted that United Nations and US already have declared TehrikeTaliban Pakistan (TTP)
as banned Terrorist Organisation after AlQaeda.
Italy’s President Giorgio Napolitano has resigned from office. He has resigned citing reason of poor
health ahead of his 2020 expiry term. He also announced his retirement after stepping down as
President.
About Giorgio Napolitano
He was a longtime member of the Italian Communist Party and was elected to Italian parliament
for first time in 1953.
He was Minister of Interior from 1996 to 1998 under then Prime Minister Romano Prodi.
President: In 2006, he was elected by parliament as President of Italy for first time. He was re
elected as President in 2013 and was to retire in 2020. He is longestserving President of Italy and
was in office for around 8 years.
As a President, he was regarded as a guarantor of stability amid of current unstable governments
and Italy’s longest recession since World War II.
President of Italy: His role is mainly ceremonial but can declare legislation unconstitutional. He also
has the power to dissolve parliament, nominate prime ministers and call early elections. He has
tenure of 7 years.
India and Bangladesh inaugurated third border haat in SrinagarPurba on the TripuraBangladesh
border.
It was inaugurated by Union Commerce and Industries Minister Nirmala along with her Bangladeshi
counterpart Tofail ahmed in the presence of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar.
This is the first border haat opened in state Tripura which shares 856km border with Bangladesh.
Key facts of Border Haat
Haats in India Language means Rural Market. The aim of this border haat is to enhance border
trade between the two countries.
It will also cater to the needs of the people living within a five km radius in this border area.
It will facilitate bilateral trade of 16 locally produced goods between both nations. It includes
agricultural and horticultural crops, spices, poultry, dairy products, cottage industry items, furniture
and handicrafts and handlooms.
It will also boost people to people contacts between the two countries.
Background
Border haats along the border of two countries are established under a MOU for Border Trade
and Border Haats. It was signed by the two countries in October 2010.
As per the rules and guidelines of this MOU, traders in communities of both India and Bangladesh
can trade their local produce without any duty.
This bilateral trade will take place once a week in this haat and each trader is allowed to do
business of US $ 100 per day.
Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha was appointed Chief Justice of Bangladesh by President Mohammad
Abdul Hamid.
With this appointment, he has become the first Hindu to hold highest judicial post in the Muslim
majority country.
He will succeed incumbent Chief Justice Md Muzammel Hossain as he is retiring on 16 January 2015
and will have a term of around three years.
About S K Sinha
Legal career: He started his legal career in 1974 as an advocate of the district court, Sylhet after
completing LLB.
He was an advocate of the high court in 1978 and later in the appellate division in 1990.
In 1999, he was appointed as judge of the High Court and later in 2009 as judge of the Appellate
Division.
It should be noted that Bangladesh has unitary Supreme Court structure and comprises two
divisions – the Appellate Division and the High Court division.
Key judgments: His landmark judgments include on assassination of Bangladesh’s first President
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 5th and 13th amendments to the country’s
Constitution.
First ministerial meeting of the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and
Caribbean States (CELAC) concluded in Beijing.
It was twoday meeting and was cochaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Costa
Rican counterpart, Manuel Gonzalez Sanz.
First ChinaCELAC Forum ministerial meeting passed three major documents:
Beijing Declaration.
Fiveyear cooperation plan.
Regulations on the ChinaCELAC forum.
Both sides also reached a consensus on deepening political mutual trust, expanding cooperation and
promoting development of the forum.
On the concluding day it was announced that forum’s next meeting will be held in Chile in 2018.
Implication of this forum: It is considered as historical meeting as it launched to improve overall
cooperation between China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean region. It will also
build a closer CELACChina relationship and benefit people from both sides.
Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)
CELAC is a regional bloc of Latin American and Caribbean countries. It was outcome of Rio Group–
Caribbean Community Unity Summit.
It was created in 2011, in Caracas, Venezuela, with the signature of The Declaration of Caracas.
This bloc consists of 33 sovereign countries as its members in the southern American region
representing around 600 million people.
Prominent Chinese theoretical physicist Yu Min has been awarded State Preeminent Science and
Technology Award for 2014.
Chinese President Xi Jinping gave him the award in the ceremony held at Great Hall of the People in
Beijing.
He was awarded for his groundbreaking research which led to the development of China’s first
hydrogen bomb in 1967. It was tested after China’s first successful atomic weapons test. He is
famously known as China’s ‘Father of Hydrogen bomb’.
About Yu Min
He was a researcher at the Modern Physics Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
His work on nuclear weapon theory played a critical role in the design of the nuclear weapons of
China and number of hightech research projects.
He has also won China’s national scientific progress prizes three time and was honored as a national
labor model, and in 1992 was awarded the Guanghua Special Prize.
About State Preeminent Science and Technology Award of China
It is China’s highest prize, awarded annually by the State president to country’s scientists. It is also
referred to as the State Supreme Science and Technology Award and considered as the China’s
Nobel Prize.
It was started in 2000 and declared in month of January of every year.
This award consists of monetary sum of 5 million Renminbi (official currency China). Out of this total
sum, 10% is given to the awarded scientist, and 90% is given as the fund for his scientific research
project.
Maithiripala Sirisena has swornin as 7th President of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court Judge K. Sri Pawan administered the oath of office to Maithiripala
Sirisena at a oath taking function held at the Independence Square in Colombo.
While, United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickramasinghe was swornin as Sri Lanka’s Prime
Minister.
Election verdict: Maithiripala Sirisena was declared elected in Presidential elections after he had
defeated incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa by more than 4 and a half lakh votes. In this
election he had secured 51.28 per cent of total votes casted.
Summary on Sri Lanka’s 2015 Presidential Election
After the result was declared, incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa had conceded defeat. It
should be noted that for the first time in Sri Lanka, an incumbent President was defeated.
Mahinda Rajapaksa was President for one decade and had played important role to end LTTE
militancy in 2009.
He also played important in huge development projects in the island nation, but failed to address
the political aspirations of the minority Tamil community, protect the Muslims from Buddhist
hardliners and secure a better economic deal for the poor.
Maithiripala Sirisena was Health Minister Rajapaksa’s government. But after Presidential were
declared in November 2014 he opposed Mahinda Rajapaksa by contesting the elections.
In this Presidential election, Maithiripala Sirisena got huge support of rainbow coalition of several
parties and minority communities as he had promised constitutional, electoral and administrative
reforms within a hundred days of coming to power.
He also had promised to abolish Executive Presidency in Sri Lanka and hand over political power
to the Prime Minister and the Parliament.
Maithripala Sirisena
He was born on 3 September 1951 and is son of a World War II veteran.
Political career: He had joined mainstream politics in 1989 through the Sri Lankan Freedom
Party. He was first elected to Sri Lankan Parliament in 1989. He has held several ministries in
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga government. He was Minister of Agriculture in the first
Rajapakas government elected in 2005. He was reelected in 2010 and appointed Minister of
Health.
In 1971, he was arrested on suspicion of leading a revolt against the government and was in jail
for almost two years.
Japanese automaker Honda has agreed to pay US 70 million dollars in fines to the US authorities for
failing to report safety issues involving its cars.
It was announced by the US regulator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
after Honda had accepted liability for the breach on safety issues.
As per NHTSA, Honda failed to report more than 1,700 death and injury claims involving its cars
between July 2003 and June 2014.
In this regard, Honda will pay two $35 million fines, making it as the largest amount ever paid by any
automaker.
Background
Honda was under investigation for violations of NHTSA’s Early Warning Reporting regulations.
As per the NHTSA rules, it is necessary for the automakers to report quickly any information about
possible defects, deaths and injuries or damage and warranty claims made by consumers.
But Honda failed to reveal and report 1,729 cases involving deaths or injuries between July 2003 and
June 2014 to the NHTSA.
NHTSA earlier had reported that, few incidents of Honda cars involved Takata Corp air bags that had
ruptured and had been the subject of massive recalls.
But, Honda attributed this incident to its data entry and computer programming errors. Thus, failing to
comply NHTSA rules and regulations. So the fine was imposed by US regulator.
Pakistan government has enacted new law, to create constitutional military courts to try and punish
terrorists.
This new law came into effect after it was signed by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.
Earlier, Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2015 and 21st Constitution Amendment Bill, 2015 was
passed by Pakistan’s National Assembly and the Senate.
Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2015 aims to set up Constitutionally protected military courts to try
and punish terrorists.
While, 21st Constitution Amendment Bill, 2015 provides constitutional cover for the establishment of
military courts in Pakistan.
Background
For past few years, Pakistan is struggling to come up with an adequate response to deal with the
increasing menace of militancy.
Pakistan’s ruling government was under pressure after Peshawar School attack that had killed
around 150 people including 132 children. So there was need of strict law to deal with the militants.
Summary
The law will give a tough message to militants who often are wriggled out of ordinary courts. Thus it
will help to curb and eliminate militancy in Pakistan. Presently, Pakistan has already lifted moratorium
on death penalty and hanged seven convicted militants.
Veteran Indianorigin civil servant Joseph Yubaraj Manuel Pillay was reappointed as the Chairman
of the Presidential Council of Advisers (CPA) by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam.
He was sworn in as top advisor to Singapore’s President for a period of next four years.
As Chairman of the CPA, he will exercise the functions of the President’s office in the absence of
President. If he is unavailable, the Speaker of Parliament would act as the head of state.
Presidential Council of Advisers (CPA): This council was formed in 1992. It advises Singapore’s
President in various areas, including safeguarding the past reserves of the Government and key
appointments in the public services.
About J Y Pillay
He has served in a number of senior civil service positions in Singapore. He was first appointed to
the CPA on January 2, 2001 and served its Chairman since September 2, 2005.
He is one of the pioneers who helped build the Singapore economy after its separation from
Malaysia in 1965. He also had served as Chairman of Singapore Airlines from 1972 until 1976.
In 2012, for his public service, Pillay was awarded the Order of Nila Utama (First Class) award
one of Singapore’s most prestigious National Day Awards.
Greece’s Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has dissolved the country’s parliament ahead of snap
elections to be held on 25 January.
Dissolution of Parliament comes after it failed to elect the President in the third and final round of
voting.
In the third and final round for electing President, ruling government’s candidate Stavros Dimas
(former European Commissioner) was defeated by 180 votes, resulting in dissolution of the
Parliament.
Prime Minister Antonis Samara’s ruling coalition government had came into power in 2012 after the
General Elections.
In 2012 General elections, Prime Minister Samarasled New Democratic Party had won the elections
and formed the government.
Tropical storm Jangmi has hit Surigao del Sur province on northern Mindanao in Philippines. This
tropical storm is locally is known as Seniang.
This storm had approached the land with gusts wind of 100 kph resulting heavy rain. This heavy rain
has triggered flash floods and landslides in the country.
Jangmi storm has also affected several parts of neighbouring countries of Philippines like Malaysia
and Thailand.
In 2014, in total 30 storms had occurred in the Northwest Pacific, 16 of them have affected the
Philippines. Among 16 storms, 6 were strong enough to be classified as typhoons. Earlier in
December 2014, Super Typhoon Hagupit had lashed central parts of Philippines with winds of 215
kph.
AirAsia flight QZ8501 had disappeared from air traffic control (ATC) screens over the Java Sea
coast off Indonesia on 28 December, as it flew from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore
with 162 people on board.
This flight lost its contact with ATC after the pilot of plane had requested a change of flight plan due to
bad weather, but were not allowed to alter course by authorities.
The debris of the missing plane along with floating bodies of some passengers were spotted on 30th
December in the Java Sea off Indonesia, close to the area where contact was lost with the aircraft.
About AirAsia flight QZ8501 Incident
Airbus A320200 took off from Surabaya in Indonesia to Singapore.
It was carrying 155 passengers 1 British, 1 Malaysian, 1 Singaporean, 3 South Koreans, 149
Indonesians and 7 crew members 6 Indonesians and a French copilot.
The pilot’s last contact was a request to divert around bad weather.
The debris of plane along with dead bodies were discover three days after the multinational
search and rescue operation involving Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia in the Java Sea.
The AirAsia plane was delivered in 2008, has flown 13,600 times, completing 23,000 hours, and
underwent its last maintenance in November.
AirAsia also has an excellent safety record and there were no fatal accidents involving its aircraft.
It is the third aviation disaster of 2014 involving South Asian country Malaysia
First incident was the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in March 2014 which is
consider as worst Aviation Disaster killing 239 people on board and still remains unsolved.
Second incident was attack on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 by proRussian rebels over
Ukraine in July 2014.
Nearly after six decades, residents of Myanmar’s commercial hub Yangon city voted for Yangon City
Development Committee elections i.e. local municipal elections on 27th December 2014.
This election is considered test for Myanmar as it is undergoing transition from previous military rule
towards the democracy since 2011 and ahead of a landmark nationwide elections to be held in
November 2015.
Yangon city: It is also known as Rangoon and was previous capital of Myanmar. Now Naypyidaw
city is capital of Myanmar as per the country’s 2008 Constitution drafted by Military rule.
Yangon is the Myanmar`s largest city in terms of population and is the most important commercial
centre.
Background
This municipal election is only election which is held in Myanmar after 2010 general elections, which
was considered as fraudulent and had created widespread accusations of cheating.
2010 general election was also boycotted by main opposition National League for Democracy (NLD)
headed by Nobel peace prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi.
But later 2012 byelections which were held in few constituencies across the country were considered
much freer and allowed the Aung San Suu Kyi to participate in parliament for the first time after she
was elected.
But being seen as prodemocracy movement activist in Myanmar she is barred from running for
president under the current constitution drafted by military rule in 2008. As this constitution clearly
mentions that anyone married to a foreigner or having children of foreign citizen cannot become
President of Myanmar.
Russia and four exSoviet nations have finalized the formation of a new economic alliance Eurasian
Economic Union (EEU). Four exSoviet nations are Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.
It was finalized in EEU summit held in Moscow, Russia.
EEU will come into existence on 1 January 2015. It seeks to bolster integration of member nations
which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan primarily located in northern
Eurasia.
Key facts about Eurasian Economic Union (EEU)
It aims to provide free trade among member countries without any barriers.
In addition, it will coordinate the financial systems and regulates industrial and agricultural policies
along with labour markets and transportation networks of member nations.
EEU will bring together around 170 million people from 5 member nations and will have a
combined economic output of $4.5 trillion.
Background: The idea of formation was first suggested in 1994 by then President of Kazakhstan
Nursultan Nazarbayev during his speech at Moscow State University. He had suggested the idea to
create a regional trading bloc.
Signatories: A treaty aiming for the establishment of the EEU was signed on 29 May 2014 by the
leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. Armenia’s and Kyrgyzstan’s signed this treaty later on 9
October 2014 and 23 December respectively.
Operation of EEU: The union will operate through supranational and intergovernmental institutions.
The supranational institutions are Eurasian Commission (the executive body), the Court of the EEU
(the judicial body) and the Eurasian Development Bank. National governments will be represented by
the Eurasian Commission’s Council.
Ukraine’s opposition: Earlier Russia had tried to encourage Ukraine to join EEU. But after Crimean
crisis of February 2014 i.e. after Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine decided to
stay away from EEU and moved closer towards NATO and EU.
Pakistan has constituted a federal counterterrorism force with an immediate effect for
implementing the National Action Plan on counterterrorism.
Final nod in this regard was given by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Key facts
This force will work under Pakistan’s defence ministry. It will be deployed across Pakistan and will
be responsible for countering terrorism and curb increasing militancy.
It will also keep contact with civilian, militaryintelligence security agencies and its counter
terrorism wings.
As part of the National Action Plan, Pakistani government is working to stop printing and
publication of hate material promoting sectarianism. Even, government is seeking to amend its
Constitution to regulate printing of such publications and declare them as illegal.
Furthermore, Central Bank of Pakistan has been directed to supervise antiterror financing in
Pakistan and freeze all accounts which were being used for funding terrorists.
Background
This tough National Action Plan was drafted by Pakistan government in the wake of Taliban fighter’s
barbaric attack on school in Peshawar, killing 141 people, 132 of them children on 16th December
2014.
Global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) came into force on 24 December 2014, after it was adopted by the
UN General Assembly in April 2013.
Now this landmark treaty has officially became binding international law, which aims to regulate
around the USD 85 billion global arms trade.
It came into force after 60 nations ratified it, as of December 23 among the 130 signatories of the
treaty. In order to come in force, the treaty in total needed 50 nations ratification.
Key facts of Global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)
It is the first legallybinding multilateral agreement that prohibits nations from exporting
conventional weapons to countries that may use it for genocide, crimes against humanity or war
crimes.
It adds a new chapter in collective efforts of nations to bring responsibility, accountability and
transparency to the global arms trade.
It set robust global standards for crossborder transfers of conventional weapons ranging from
small firearms to tanks and attack helicopters.
It creates binding requirements for states to review crossborder contracts to ensure weapons will
not be used in human rights abuses, violations of humanitarian law or organised crime
Countries that ratified ATT
Five of the top 10 arms exporters – France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK have already
ratified the ATT.
Ratification opposed by following nations
Major weapons producers like Russia, China, India and Pakistan have not signed the treaty.
USthe world’s top arms exporter, had signed the treaty in September 2013 but the Senate has
not ratified it.
Why India did not sign ATT?
In 2013, India was among the 23 nations that had abstained from voting on the treaty resolution. As
per India, the treaty has weak provision on terrorism and nonstate actors as these concerns are not
mentioned in the specific prohibitions of the Treaty.
For the first time, Pakistan and Russia have signed an energy deal agreement worth US $ 1.7 billion.
As per the the agreement gas pipeline will be laid between Pakistani cities Karachi and Lahore.
The energy agreement was signed after the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had visited
Pakistan in November 2015. His visit to Pakistan was after 45 years, as the last visit to Pakistan was
made by then Soviet Union’s defence minister Andrey Grechko.
This move of both countries aims to further improve their bilateral ties. Both countries also had inked
a defence and military cooperation deals.
Key facts
This pipeline will help to transport imported Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Karachi to Punjab
province.
The supply of LNG is expected to start before March, 2015.
Background
Currently, Pakistan is working on two LNG pipelines as an alternative to doom IranPakistan (IP) gas
pipeline project, which included LNG Gwadar pipeline and south pipeline from Karachi to Lahore.
Pakistan government also has signed a deal with China to award USD 3 billion Gwader LNG pipeline
and terminal project.
Thus, for first time Pakistan and Russia have signed an energy pact decades after the recent deal to
increase military cooperation.
Japan’s Parliament has reelected Shinzo Abe as Prime Minister with an overwhelming majority
following the conservative leader’s midDecember election triumph.
In the voting, lower house voted for Abe with 328 votes against 73 for acting opposition leader
Katsuya Okada.
After he was elected he announced his cabinet members which is same as previous but replacing
only Defense Minister Akinori Eto. The cabinet members will take charges of their office after the
formal ceremony with Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace.
Background
Earlier in December, Mr Abe had called a snap election in order new mandate to get public support to
implement Abenomics, a blend of aggressive monetary easing, public spending and economic
reforms.
In this snap election, the ruling coalition led by Mr Abe had won a twothirds majority amid a low voter
turnout.
In this snap election Mr Abe’s party Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) had won 290 seats and its ally
Komeito had won 35 seats. Together they accounted to a total of 325 seats out of 475 seat of
Japan’s Lower House in Parliament.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to coordinate military operations along their border to stop
crossborder attacks by militants.
In this regard, Afghan army Chief General Sher Mohammad Karimi and his Pakistani counterpart
General Raheel Sharif met in Islamabad and later announced their plans to cooperate in military
operations.
Both generals met in presence US General John Campbell, who heads North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) coalition forces in Afghanistan.
This move of both severely terrorist affected countries comes after Taliban fighters attacked a school
in Peshawar on 16th December 2014 killing 141 people, 132 of them children.
Implications
It will help both nations to fight jointly against the growing Taliban attacks. These attacks may even
increase in future after the complete withdrawal of US and NATO troops from Afghanistan.
Recently, NATO and US forces ceremonially ended their combats operations in Afghanistan. This
may result in increase in terrorism in both nations and create insecurity in this region.
Thus, joint efforts of both nations will help maintain peace and order in this region.
Beji Caid Essebsi had been elected as President of Tunisia. Thus he is the first democratically
elected President in the country after the Arab Spring.
In the recent runoff elections he got 56 percent votes and defeated the outgoing President Moncief
Marzouki.
About Beji Caid Essebsi
He is considered as secular and antiIslamist leader. By profession he is lawyer and studied law in
Paris.
He was Interior minister under Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia’s first president after independence.
He had was speaker of parliament under ousted President Zine elAbedine Ben Ali.
Was appointed as interim prime minister in 2011 after the uprising.
In 2014, he founded secularleaning Nidaa Tounes party.
He has wide support base from Tunisian General Labour Union and some business groups.
By electing Beji Caid Essebsi, it may be consider as Tunisia’s vital step towards democracy.
Background
Tunisia was birth place of Arab Spring which later spread to many parts of the Arab world in Egypt,
Libya, Syria and Yemen.
In every country except Tunisia the revolution had turned violent. In case of Syria it turned into civil
war.
United Nation’s General Assembly has passed a resolution asking Israel to pay Lebanon more than
$850 million in damages for an oil spill caused by an Israeli air force attack in its war against
Hezbollah in 2006.
The resolution was passed in the assembly by vote of 1706 in favour, with three countries
abstentions. Israel, the US, Canada, Australia, Micronesia and Marshall Islands voted “no”.
As per the passed resolution, Israel has caused an extensive environmental pollution after the oil
slick covered the entire Lebanese coastline and later had extended to the Syrian coastline.
This resolution is not legally binding but it reflects world opinion on particular serious issue.
Earlier UN had asked Israel many times to compensate Lebanon but this was the first time a
compensation price was put on the damages.
Israel’s stance on this resolution
Israel has clearly mentioned that this resolution is biased against them.
They even mentioned that in 2006, after the oil slick incident they had immediately responded by
cooperating closely with the United Nations Environment Programme, as well as other UN agencies
and NGOs, addressing the environmental situation along the coast of Lebanon.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has signed controversial Security Amendment Act 2014
into law that aims to enhance the fight against terrorism in the East African nation.
This new antiterror legislation gives the security and intelligence agencies the right to
Detain terror suspects for up to one year from the current 90 days.
Imprison journalists up to 3 years if they fail to obtain police permission before investigating or
publishing stories on domestic terrorism and security issues.
Punish guilty person up to 30 years in prison, if illegal weapons are recovered from his premises.
Imprison person promoting ideology based on violence to advance political, religious or social
change up to 14 years in jail.
However, opposition parties and civil rights groups have condemned this law and clearly mentioned
that it will turn Kenya into a police state.
Background
In past years, Kenya has become victim of terrorism, especially due to increasing terror attacks from
Somalia’s based Al Qaedalinked Al Shebab terror group.
In November 2014, AlShabab militants had killed 64 people in two attacks in the northeastern
region of Kenya bordering Somalia.
In 2013, AlShabab militants had killed 67 people in Westgate shopping centre siege in Nairobi
(Kenya’s Capital).
Chinese prodemocracy activist Xu Youyu was awarded Sweden’s Olof Palme Human Rights prize.
As per Stockholmbased Olof Palme Memorial Fund, Xu has worked consistently for a
democratisation of Chinese society, while condemning any form of violence as a political method
About Xu Youyu
He was born in 1947. By profession he is a Philosophy Professor at the Chinese Academy of Social
Science.
He is among the key signatories of a 2008, Charter 08 manifesto seeking sweeping political reforms
in communist China.
He was detained by Chinese authorities in May 2014 in a crackdown on dissent ahead of the 25th
anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.
Olof Palme Prize
The Olof Palme Prize is an annual prize granted by the Swedish labour movement. Prize includes
monetary sum of $ 75,000.
It commemorates the memory of the Nordic country’s Social Democratic Prime Minister Olof Palme,
who was an outspoken international human rights advocate, who was assassinated in the Swedish
capital in 1986.
Since 1987 the award has been awarded to human rights defenders around the world. Myanmar’s
Aung San Suu Kyi and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan were also given this award.
Nepal’s Supreme Court (SC) has started ejudiciary services aiming to provide better court services
and to ensure easy access to justice.
In this regard, SC has developed three software’s to realize the goals of ejudiciary. The apex court
will send SMS to its clients for three main services – registration of a case, final hearing date and
status of the case at the bench.
It will be implemented in phases in first phase it will cover 40 courts and in second phase will cover
other remaing 50 courts of Nepal. Introduction of the new system will help court to save time and
deliver justice fast.
Denmark has presented claim to United Nations over the area surrounding the North Pole. As per
Denmark, this area is connected to the continental shelf of Greenland is their autonomous territory.
Greenland geographically forms part of North America rather than Europe. But it is largely self
governed, but it remains part of former colonial master Denmark, which controls foreign affairs and
defence policy.
Background
There is territorial dispute between Denmark, Canada and Russia over the energy rich Arctic territory.
Canada and Russia have already asserted their own sovereignty over this region. In 2008, Denmark,
along with Russia, Norway, Canada and the US said that the territorial dispute should be settled
under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In this regard UN panel was formed
to settle the dispute.
After ratifying the convention, each country had 10 years to submit a claim to extend its continental
shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from its borders. Earlier in 2013, Canada expressed formal interest
to the panel.
Sir Anerood Jugnauth was elected as new Prime Minister (PM) of Mauritius. Mauritius’ President
Kailash Purryaghas named him as prime minister after his party’s landslide victory in recent
parliamentary elections.
In recent elections, Jugnauth’s centreright Alliance Lepep won 47 out of 62 seats in the Mauritius’
parliament. While the coalition of the outgoing ruling Labour Party and the former opposition
Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) of exPrime Minister Paul Berenger won just 13 seats.
This parliamentary election was one of the most crucial since Mauritius’ became independent from
Britain in 1968 as there is debate over constitutional reform – notably over a divisive proposal to
strengthen presidential powers.
About Sir Anerood Jugnauth
Previously, Mr. Jugnauth was PM of Mauritius between 1982 and 1995 and again between 2000 and
2003. He was President from 20032012.
Mauritius It is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. The capital and largest city is Port Louis. It is
one of the richest countries in Africa with a per capita GDP of just over $9,000.
The country in its history after becoming independent from Britain in 1968 had only four prime
ministers. Jugnauth and Navinchandra Ramgoolam have alternated posts since 1982, except for a
brief gap between 2003 and 2005 when Paul Berenger served as prime minister.
The world’s largest cruise ship terminal Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal was unveiled in
Dubai. It was inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai.
This newly opened terminal can handle 14,000 cruise passengers a day, thus making it world’s
largest.
Key facts
The terminal covers 28,000 square metres and is the latest addition to The Dubai Cruise Terminal
facility at Mina Rashid.
It will play key role in Dubai’s vision to attract 20 million tourists a year by 2020.
It will help to increase the handling capacity of the three cruise terminals in Dubai from two million
tourists a year to seven million.
Features:
It includes dutyfree outlets, shops, currency exchange, ATM machines and a VIP business centre. It
also provides office facilities various related organisations such as the police, customs, immigration,
shipping agents and airlines.
Bangladesh’s oil spill disaster is considered as ecological catastrophe which may threaten rare
dolphins, other wildlife species and world’s largest mangrove forests in the Sundrban’s.
Oil spill disaster: The tanker carrying an estimated 350,000 litres of furnace oil partly sank in the
Sundarban’s Shela River after it collided with another vessel.
These oil slicks have spread over a 60 kilometrelong area and have entered into another river as
well as a network of canals in the vast Sundarbans delta which comprises a network of rivers and
canals straddling Bangladesh and India.
Environmental Impact
This disaster may be considered as an ecological catastrophe and can destroy the delicate ecology
of the Sundarbans – a UNESCOlisted World Heritage Site.
Sundrban has world’s largest mangrove forest which is home to wide range of fauna, including 260
bird species, the Bengal tiger and other threatened species such as the estuarine crocodile and the
Indian python. It is also home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphin.
The oil spills has already blackened the shoreline and started degrading the water quality,
threatening trees, plankton, vast populations of small fishes.
Rare Irrawaddy dolphin may be the first victim of this oil spill as the thick layer of oil on the surface of
the river may cut down the dissolved oxygen, leading to suffocation of these dolphins due to lack of
oxygen.
It may even threaten Sunderban tigers as there feed on herbivores animals like deer and other are
going to suffer from oil spill as their vegetation may be covered by a thick layer of oil and rinse into
the soil once the water recedes during the tides.
United States (US) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) have ceremonially ended their
combat mission in Afghanistan.
This mission comes to an end after 13 years of September 11 terror attacks that sparked their
invasion of Afghanistan to topple the Talibanled Government and fight against terrorism.
NATO formally ended its deployment after its International Security Assistance Force Joint Command,
which was in charge of combat operations, lowered its flag. This ceremony was the first of two that
will draw a formal close to NATO’s combat mission by December 28, 2014.
Future plans of US and NATO
Now US and NATO coalition will only provide training and support role for Afghanistan’s own
security forces, which have led the fight against the Taliban insurgents since mid2013.
From January 1, the coalition will maintain a force of 13,000 troops in Afghanistan. In 2011, there
were around 140,000 coalition troops.
Up to 10,800 US troops will remain in Afghanistan for the first three months of 2015.
By the end of 2015, US will reduce it troop to 5,500. Entire US troop will be called back by 2016.
Bangladesh and Bhutan have signed two agreements. The two signed agreements are
Agreement on Trade: It will allow the two neighbouring countries to enjoy dutyfree export of 90
items to each other. Earlier, Bhutan enjoyed dutyfree export of 74 items from their country to
Bangladesh.
Allocation of a land: Allocation of a land at Dhaka city’s Baridhara diplomatic enclave to Bhutan
for the construction of its embassy.
Agreement on Trade was signed by Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and Bhutan’s
Economic Affairs Minister Norbu Wangchuk.
While Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and his Bhutanese counterpart Rinzin Dorje
inked the deal on the land allocation.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay
witnessed the agreement signing ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Bangladesh will allow dutyfree import of bolder that will be used for the construction of Padma
Bridge, a mega infrastructure project of Bangladesh.
China has rejected UN arbitration to resolve the South China Sea (SCS) maritime dispute with its
Philippines. China instead has asserted that this maritime dispute should be settled through direct
bilateral negotiations.
China’s rejection comes before the deadline to respond to UN mediation sought by the Philippines to
arbitrate its maritime dispute with China over the South China Sea.
China has alleged that Philippines is attempting to resolve the dispute through “compulsory
arbitration” by the UN Convention on Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), without exercising the option to
settle it through direct talks.
China’s approach to UN’s mediation of border disputes
China has claimed that they have settled its land boundary disputes with almost all of its
neighbours (except India and Bhutan) and has delimited its maritime boundary in Beibu Bay with
Vietnam.
In this case, China has mentioned that they are defending their sovereign right to choose a means
of dispute settlement of its free will.
China has even alleged that the Philippines is misusing “compulsory arbitration” to resolve this
dispute.
Background
In 2013, Philippines had approached the UN, questioning China’s claims to the Spratly islands (called
Nansha islands by China) and the waters around them. UN Arbitral Tribunal appointed to deal with
the case had asked China to submit its countermemorial before 15th December 2014.
Typhoon Hagupit has approached Philippines and has made landfall in the town of Dolores in the
eastern Philippines with terrifying winds and intense rain pounding in the eastern part.
The powerful storm from the typhoon which has its origin from the Pacific Ocean crashed into the
remote fishing communities of Samar Island with wind gusts of 210 km/hr. Almost 7 lakh people were
evacuated before the typhoon. United Nations has mentioned it as one of the world’s biggest
peacetime evacuations.
Typhoo Hagupit is expected to make five landfalls as it crosses the Philippines before leaving the
country by 10th December 2014.
India and Japan have decided to cooperate in the fields of Cyber security and Green Information &
Communication Technology (ICT). This decision was announced after IndiaJapan Joint Working
Group Meeting on ICT held at New Delhi.
Joint Working Group Meeting on ICT between two countries announced to work and implement
following five areas
Green ICT– Green Mobile Base Station project.
Cyber Security Cooperation– JapanIndia Combat Spam project.
Cooperative project for detecting symptoms and quick response to cyberattacks (PRACTICE).
ICT for Disaster Management (ICT4DM) – Use ICT in disasteraffected areas projects.
ICT Application for Social and Economic Challenges– National ID Application and Utilization
Platform project.
In India, Ministry for Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) while in Japan, Ministry of
Internal Affairs and Communication (MIC), will coordinate the activities for taking these projects
forward by involving industrial partners in both the countries. Both countries also aim towards
implementation of these joint projects by early 2015.
The two countries also decided to further discuss development of standards in the field of ICT, for
future cooperation.
Further, India had also offered Japan to manufacture ICT equipment in India by taking advantage of
new conducive environment under Make in India Campaign.
Transparency International has ranked India at 85th place in its Corruption Perception Index 2014
(CPI) which enlisted 178 countries. India scored 38 on a scale from 0 (most corrupt) to 100 (least
corrupt). The CPI score of India has increased by 2 points in 2014 from its 2013 score of 36, thus
helping India’s rank move up to 85 in 2014 from 94 in 2013.
Top 3: Denmark (Score 92), New Zealand (Score 91) and Finland (Score 89)
Bottom 4: Afghanistan (Score 12), Sudan (Score 11), North Korea (Score 8) and Somalia (Score
– 8).
India’s neighbours in Corruption Perception Index 2014
th
Bhutan was placed at 30th
Sri Lanka was placed at 85th rank along with India.
China was placed at 100th
Pakistan and Nepal were placed at 126th
Bangladesh was placed at 145th
Afghanistan was placed at 172th rank.
From 2012, the CPI methodology has been updated to provide for yearoveryear comparisons.
Japan has launched HIIA rocket carrying a space probe Hayabusa2 destined for a distant asteroid
1999JU3. The HIIA rocket blasted off from Tanegashima Space Center in the south of Japan. This
launch comes just weeks after a Rosetta mission of European Space Agency made historic landing of
Philae probe on Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.
Key facts of this mission:
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) sent the probe on a sixyear mission. Hayabusa in
Japanese means peregrine falcon.
Project cost: 31billionyen ($260million)
Mission: This project aims to send the explorer towards the 1999JU3 asteroid in deep space. . It
will also study the surface of comet by dropping tiny robots. It will blast a crater in the asteroid to
collect materials unexposed to millennia of wind and radiation, in the hope of answering some
fundamental questions about life and the universe
Duration: It is expected to reach the asteroid in mid2018 and spend around 18 months in the
area. If all goes well, asteroid samples will be returned to Earth in late 2020.
Background
Earlier, Japan’s Hayabusa 1 probe, had made history for roundtrip flight to an asteroid Itokawa
from 2003 to 2010. The first Hayabusa mission had encountered several crippling problems,
including a fuel leak, failures in its pointing system, and a glitch with the craft’s sample collection
system. Despite the challenges, the spacecraft returned to Earth in 2010, carrying a fraction of the
asteroid specimens intended.
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs has asked the government to present
Constitution (119th Amendment) Bill, 2013 without any delay to give effect to the IndiaBangladesh
Land Boundary Agreement (LBA).
This Standing Committee was headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
The committee in its report has mentioned
Passage of this Bill is a national interest and will pave way for broader ties with the neighbouring
country.
Coming into force of the pact may result in a “modest” demographic change in bordering areas
and help to resolve the difficulties being faced by the people living in the “enclaves” of both the
countries once the pact comes into force.
Security dimension due to influx of population should be considered seriously by the government.
After the enclaves are handed over to India by Bangladesh, government must keep ready a
blueprint for development so that development work can be started immediately after the pact is
ratified.
Background
The Constitution (119th Amendment) Bill, 2013 aims to ratify the LBA between India and Bangladesh
under the IndiraMujib pact of 1974 to exchange areas and people on either side of the border.
As per the provision of pact, India will exchange 111 enclaves measuring 17,160 acres with
Bangladesh and receive 51 enclaves covering 7,110 acres. Almost 51,000 people reside in these
enclaves. The territories involved in the exchange are in Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya and
Tripura.
On 16th May 1974, soon after the independence of Bangladesh the LBA was signed between India
and Bangladesh in order to find a solution to the complex nature of border demarcation. This pact
was ratified by Bangladesh government in 1974.
In 1974, in India Cabinet had granted approval to this pact but was not ratified as it involved cession
of territory.
Mount Aso, a volcano in southern Japan has erupted. It is the first such eruption in 22 years, causing
flight cancellations and prompting warnings to stay away from its crater. This eruption has spewed
out lava debris and smoke, shooting plumes of ash a kilometre into the sky.
Earlier, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) had reported earthquakes and other seismic activity in
late August on Mount Aso.
About Mount Aso
Mount Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan, and is among the largest in the world. It is located
in Aso Kuju National Park in Kumamoto Prefecture, on Kyushu Island. Its peak is 1592 m above sea
level. Mount Aso has one of the largest calderas in the world (25 km northsouth and 18 km east
west). The caldera has a circumference of around 120 km.
Namibia has become first country in Africa to use electronic voting in their presidential election. For
the first time 1.2 million Namibian’s are expected to cast their votes electronically in the country’s 5th
election since independence.
Around 3400 Indiamade Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used for this elections.
In April 2014, Namibian government had purchased these EVM form India’s public sector unit, Bharat
Electronic Limited (BEL), Bangaluru.
This purchase was done after, the sevenmember delegation from the Electoral Commission of
Namibia (ECN) were impressed by the EVM system after they had visited polling stations in
Karnataka including Bengaluru, during Lok Sabha polls in April, 2014 17.
Other countries using Indian made EVM’s: Asian countries Nepal, Bhutan have purchased India
manufactured EVMs and using it. Fiji is expected to use Indian EVMs.
India and Mozambique have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the
oil and gas sector for a period of five years.
This MoU seeks cooperation in oil and gas in both upstream and downstream sectors in the areas of
enhancing capacitybuilding, forging closer cooperation between research and training centres and
intensifying technology transfer, among others.
The MoU was signed at a meeting held at New Delhi between Petroleum Minister Dharmendra
Pradhan and Mozambique’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Oldemiro Julio Marques Baloi.
Background
Earlier, Union cabinet had given their nod on 29th October 2014 for the MoU between both countries.
Mozambique is strategically located near India and is ideally suited for bringing Liquefied natural gas
(LNG) to India at marketdetermined price. Participation of Indian energy companies in the project will
facilitate access to LNG for the growing Indian gas market. This project plans to produce 34 million
tonnes of LNG annually from its biggest gas field – the Rovuma Area 1 offshore block of
Mozambique.
Staterun ONGC Videsh Ltd, Oil India and Bharat Petroleum Corp already have bought 30 percent
stake and will also participate in the LNG project.
Thailand’s parliament has voted to ban commercial surrogacy. This decision was taken by Thailand’s
military Junta which came to power in May, 2014.
A voted draft bill has provision which mentions that anyone profiting off surrogacy will be given a
maximum ten year prison sentence. The bill also forbids any middlemen or agencies, receiving any
assets or benefits through the surrogacy process
This decision was outcome of outrage that had erupted over the largely unregulated commercial
surrogacy industry following allegations that an Australian couple abandoned a baby with Down’s
syndrome.
In 1997, commercial surrogacy was supposedly banned by Thailand’s Medical Council. But, the
booming surrogacy industry had sprung up in Thailand which had attracted many foreigners.
This industry came under intense scrutiny after a series of surrogacy scandals broke involving
foreigners.
India has launched the tourist visa on arrival facility (VoA) enabled by electronic travel authorization
i.e. EVisa facility. It was launched by Home Ministry and Tourism Ministry.
This system will be applicable for 43 countries and will make travel seamless and hasslefree for
foreign tourist in India.
The addition of 43 countries is the first phase of this facility and more countries will be added soon.
Key Facts
In order to get evisa facility, foreign tourists will have to apply online at the Web site by uploading
their photo and passport and pay a fee online.
Within 72 hours, the applicant will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization, ETA by an email.
It will be 30day permit which will include sightseeing, visiting friends and family, recreation, short
duration medical treatment, and casual business visit.
This facility will be available to tourist twice a year.
Through this facility, foreign tourists will be allowed to enter and depart from nine airports. They
are Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and
Goa.
In the first phase evisa facility will be provided to countries like Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, UAE,
Jordan, Kenya, Fiji, Finland, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Mauritius, Mexico, Norway, Oman
and Philippines, US, Germany and Israel.
But Government has barred a few countries from eVisa Facility like Pakistan, Sudan, Afghanistan,
Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Somalia.
Thus, government has changed the current procedure of Visa approval from manual system to IT
based system which will benefit of tourists and will bring the revolution in the tourism sector and boost
the economy.
Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes died after he had suffered a severe head injury due to a bouncer
during a match. He was 25. He was in coma for three days following the injury sustained while
playing in a Sheffield Shield game in Sydney Cricket Ground.
After this incident, Hughes had undergone emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain after
being struck on the head by a ball. The cricket fraternity across the world today reacted with shock
and sadness at the sad demise of Phil Hughes.
About Phillip Hughes
Phillip Joel Hughes was an Australian Test and OneDay International (ODI) cricketer. He had played
for domestic cricket for South Australia and Worcestershire. He was a lefthanded opening batsman
who played for two seasons with New South Wales before making his Test debut in 2009 at the age
of 20.
The deadline to reach a comprehensive agreement for a Iran’s Nuclear Programme deal with six
world powers i.e. P6 or P5 +1 countries has been extended to the end of June, 2015 after recent
talks in Vienna, Austrian failed.
P6 countries include the five permanent members of the UN Security Council viz., USA, Russia,
China, UK, France and non permanent member Germany.
Failure in the talks came after intensive fiveday diplomatic push in Vienna involving the foreign
ministers of Iran, the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany.
It is the second extension this year as Iran and P6 nations failed to reach any agreement over Iran’s
Nuclear Programme deadlock.
Now they have agreed to extend discussions, with the aim of reaching a highlevel political
agreement by 1 March, 2015 and confirming the full technical details of the agreement by 1 July,
2015.
Summary Background
There is decade long deadlock between Iran and Western countries over the issue of Iran’s Nuclear
Programme and safety concerns of uranium enrichment.
Western Countries allegations: Western countries especially US is alleging Iran, that their
Nuclear Programme may be used by them to produce enriched uranium to develop nuclear
warheads.
Iran’s response: However, Iran has refused the allegations of western countries and has clearly
mentioned that it is its sovereign right to continue its nuclear programme to their energy demand.
Even they had mentioned that their Nuclear programme is completely peaceful and not for
defence purpose.
P6 countries want Iran to reduce its uranium enrichment programme to make sure it cannot produce
nuclear warheads.
India and the UNSECO have signed a letter of intent (LoI) for better cooperation in the field of
reducing disaster risks and capacitybuilding In Earth Sciences. The LoI was signed between Ministry
of Earth Sciences and UNESCO in the presence of Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science &
Technology and Earth Sciences and Irina Bokova, Director General, UNESCO.
Key facts
The cooperation between India and UNSECO has been going on for several years now in
reducing disaster risks.
This LoI is considered as historic moment and will help to open up of new vistas of cooperation in
not only the oceanrelated studies but other areas of cooperation in different fields of scientific
activities.
It will help India to upgrade tsunami warning system and improve the capacity to alert nations
about it.
India has done a considerable research in the field of oceanography and also in terms of disaster
management.
The cooperation is also at the level of universities and institutions. Such cooperation helps in risk
reduction especially in situation like tsunami and other natural disaster.
US President Barack Obama will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade on 26th January
2015. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited him for this occasion. By accepting PM
Narendra Modi’s invitation, Mr. Barack Obama has become the first US President to attend India’s
Republic Day celebrations as chief guest.
This visit of US President to India will help to strengthen and expand the USIndia strategic
partnership.
This will be US President Obama’s second visit to India during his tenure as the US President.
Last time Mr Obama had visited India in November 2010 during the UPA Government’s regime when
Dr Manmohan Singh was the PM.
In 2010, Mr Obama’s stay in India was one of his longest foreign trips, during which he addressed a
joint session of Parliament, declared a major policy shift and the support of United States for India’s
permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council.
Earlier Chief guests of Republic Day parade
2014 Shinzo Abe (Japanese Prime Minister).
2013 Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (King of Bhutan).
2012 Yingluck Shinawatra (Then Prime Minister of Thailand).
2011 Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono(Then President of Indonesia).
Visitors from over 40 countries, including Germany, the US, Israel and Palestine, will soon be able to
avail the electronic visa (EVisa) facility of India. The tourism ministry along with the home ministry will
launch the facility on 27th November 2014.
Key Facts
In order to get an eVisa, foreigners/tourists would need to apply on the designated website along
with the required fees.
Within 96 hours of applying on designated website, foreigners will be granted an electronic version
of the visa.
The software arrangements needed for providing eVisa Facility are now ready and would become
operational at nine international airports – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad,
Bengaluru, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Goa.
As per the government decision, all countries, except a few in the prior list, would be brought into
the evisa regime over the next two years. But Government has barred a few countries from e
Visa Facility like Pakistan, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Somalia.
The countries which currently have Visa on Arrival (VOA) facility in India will also be covered under
the new scheme.
All countries will be included under this facility in a phasewise manner by 2015. Russia, Brazil,
Germany, Thailand, UAE, Ukraine, Jordan, Norway and Mauritius, among others, would be getting
the evisa facility in the first phase.
eVisa facility is expected to give a big boost to foreign tourist arrivals in India and help to trap full
potential tourism industry.
Union Cabinet has given its final nod for signing of SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy
Cooperation (Electricity) among the SAARC Member States during the forthcoming 18th SAARC
Summit. This Union Cabinet meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
The 18th SAARC Summit scheduled to be held at Kathmandu, Nepal on 2627 November, 2014.
Key facts of SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity)
It will enable greater cooperation in the power sector among SAARC countries.
It is expected to improve the power availability in the entire SAARC region.
It would facilitate integrated operation of the regional power grid among member States.
Implications of this framework
This agreement will boost the implementation of common power grid between SAARC members.
Thus help them to share the hydroelectric power generated in North East India to Bangladesh,
Nepal and other countries.
Excess electricity from India and Pakistan can be supplied to electricity deficient Afghanistan.
Offshore wind projects could be set up in Sri Lanka’s coastal borders to power southern part of
India and Sri Lanka.
Background of SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation
In 2000, the process of regional cooperation in energy sector began between SAARC Member States
with the establishment of a Technical Committee on Energy. Thereafter, the Islamabad Declaration at
the 12th SAARC Summit in 2004 constituted, Ministerial level Energy Forum for regional cooperation
in energy sector. Later on, 5th SAARC Energy Ministers Meeting finalized the SAARC Framework
Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity). This has been a significant achievement of the
Ministers’ meeting, as this Agreement has been pending since 2010 and is a crucial step towards
developing a SAARC Market for Electricity (SAME) on a regional basis.
India’s Stance: India in this meet had called for building SAARC power grid so that excess production
of power in one region can easily be used to meet deficit elsewhere.
Church of England has broken the centuriesold tradition by paving the way for the appointment of
female bishops. It is considered as a historic move towards widening female participation in the
Church. Final seal of approval to this legislation which was passed by UK Parliament in October 2014
was given by the vote at the general synod meeting held at Westminster Church House in central
London.
The general synod is the lawmaking body of the Church of England. As per this new legislation, the
first female bishop is expected to take her seat in 2015.
The amendment to Canon 33 of the Church of England, now clearly mentions that a man or a woman
may be consecrated to the office of bishop. The legislation comes 20 years after the women were
ordained as priests.
The new legislation also includes some safeguards to manage dissent, such as the introduction of an
independent reviewer who will oversee arrangements for parishes who want oversight from a male
bishop.
There are women bishops in countries like Australia, Canada, Cuba, India, New Zealand, Swaziland,
South Africa and the USA.
Background
Women priests were ordained in 1994 but to date they have not been able to take on the Church’s
most senior roles. Divisions remain between Anglicans who feel it is consistent with their faith and
traditionalists who disagree.
Earlier in 2012, a prior move to allow women to stand as bishops was defeated in 2012 by six votes
cast by lay members of the general synod.
In 2014, General Synod was asked for the second time to give final approval to legislation introducing
women bishops.
Australia’s Queensland state has cleared Adani group’s proposed plan to build a 7 billion dollar
Carmichael coal mine. Queensland State has also announced a major investment in rail
infrastructure to support the Indian conglomerate’s mega project.
This announcement comes after State Bank of India (SBI) approved US $ 1 billion loan for Adani
Mining to develop Carmichael coal mine project near Clermont in Central Queensland, Australia.
Adani Group has signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SBI in the third week of
November 2014 for clearing this loan.
About Adani group’s Project
Adani group’s Carmichael coal, railway and port project includes building Australia’s largest thermal
coal mine in the north Galilee Basin. It is approximately 160km northwest of Clermont in Central
Queensland and will be linked by a new 388 km standard gauge rail line to a new terminal at Abbot
Point Port near Bowen.
This project will be implemented by Adani Mining subsidiary of the Adani Group in Australia. The
CEO and Australia head is Jeyakumar Janakaraj. The company aims to build the project by end of
the year 2017 and the produced coal from the region will be sent 400 km by rail to Australia’s east
coast. This project, which is evincing interest from private and public financiers in India and abroad,
will deliver 10,000 jobs and 22 billion dollars in taxes and royalties to Queensland. In addition it will
help Adani group to deliver costefficient power in the Indian market.
On 17th November 2014, Fourth edition of IndiaChina Joint Training Exercise HandinHand 2014
began at Aundh Military Station in Pune, Maharashtra. This exercise will continue till 25th November
2014.
The Chinese contingent for the exercise comes from 13th Group Army of People’s Liberation Army
i.e. Chengdu Military Region and comprises an infantry company along with supporting staff. The
opening ceremony was followed by both contingents displaying their weapons which included assault
rifles, grenade launchers and other sophisticated equipment.
The aim of the 12 day IndoChina joint exercise is to
Share the drills and practices learnt while tackling insurgency and terrorism.
Promote healthy military to military relations between the two armies.
Develop joint strategies of conducting operations in a counter terrorism environment.
Implications of this joint exercise
It will enhance confidence and trust between the two armies that may be called upon to grapple
with antiterrorism operations even under the UN regulations and mandate.
It will uphold the values of Peace, Prosperity and Stability in the region by jointly eradicating
terrorism with helping each other.
It will develop mutual understanding and respect for each other’s military.
Previous editions of military HandinHand Joint Training exercises between Indian and Chinese Army
1st edition was held in 2007 in China.
2nd edition was held in 2008 in Belgaum, Karnataka.
3rd edition was held in 2013 in China.
China has launched remote sensing satellite Yaogan23 from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre. It was
carried by a Long March2C rocket, marking the 198th mission for the Long March rocket family.
It was also the 49th successful orbital launch from the Taiyuan Satellite launch Center, the 4th launch
from this space center in 2014 and the 10th orbital launch for China this year.
Yaogan23 satellite will mainly be used for scientific experiments, natural resource surveys, crop yield
estimates and disaster relief.
Yaogan Satellite series
In 2006, China launched the first satellite in the Yaogan series that is Yaogan1.
In future, China planned to launch about 70 remote sensing satellites to detect the nearEarth
space environment and predict extreme events.
China will also launch about 20 communication satellites to meet communication demand in
national security and public services.
Besides, China will launch about 30 navigation satellites to provide accurate and reliable global
positioning and navigation services.
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has given nod to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest for third
term as President. Sri Lankan President’s decision to go for a third term was publicly questioned by
former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Sarath Silva, on the grounds that he was elected
President for the second term before the enactment of the 18th constitutional amendment, which
removed the cap on the number of times an incumbent President could contest.
Retired Justice Silva’s contention was that Rajapaksa had contested and won the election on January
27, 2010, prior to the enactment of the 18th Amendment, at a time when there was a limit of two
terms. And a President’s term begins on the day he gets elected. Therefore, Rajapaksa could not bid
for a third term.
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court decision
The Court in its decision mentioned that there is no legal barrier preventing the President to stand for
a third sixyear term.
Background
Mahinda Rajapaksa was elected asSri Lanka President on 27 January 2010 before the Constitutional
amendment which limited term for President to two. The 18th Amendment was enacted on 9th
September 2010, while, Rajapaksa took his oath as President on 19th November 2010 and his
second term of office began only on the day he took his oath.
Russia and Iran have signed an agreement to build two nuclear reactors in Iran, which will be
followed with another six. The agreement was signed by CEO of Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic
Energy Corporation, Sergey Kirienko and head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, Ali Akbar
Salehi in Moscow, Russia.
Key facts of the agreement
Nuclear officials from the two countries signed the contract for building two reactors at Bushehr.
Bushehr is the first nuclear plant built by Russia in Iran.
The construction of the new reactors will be monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA), as it was done in case of Busherhr’s first reactor, which became operational in 2013.
Russia will supply uranium fuel and then take it back for reprocessing and this provision is
intended to prevent any possibility of Iran using the spent fuel to build atomic weapons.
Both nations will cooperate in the field of the nuclear fuel cycle and ecology.
The location of remaining four plants which are expected to be constructed elsewhere in Iran
under this agreement has not been determined yet.
This deal comes less than two weeks before the 24 November deadline for Iran to sign an agreement
on its nuclear programme with six world powers i.e. P6 countries. P6 countries include the five
permanent members of the UN Security Council viz., USA, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany.
As per the deadline, Iran has to agree to limit its uranium enrichment to a level that it could not be
able to convert them to build nuclear weapons. It is expected that this deal would relax western
sanctions against Iran.
UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Kimoon has appointed a former Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer K C
Reddy as the member of United Nations (UN) probe panel on Gaza. KC Reddy is only Indian to be
part fivemember panel to investigate Israeli attacks on UN shelters during the Gaza war and the
discovery of Hamas weapons at UN sites.
The inquiry panel will be headed by retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert. Other members of the
panel include Maria VicienMilburn of Argentina, Lee O’Brien of America, Pierre Lemelin of Canada
and K.C. Reddy of India.
About United Nations (UN) probe panel on Gaza
The UN probe panel was set up by UN SecretaryGeneral BanKimoon to probe the presence of
arms on UN premises in the Gaza strip and the damage to its facilities during the conflict between
Israel and Palestinian factions.
The fivemember board will look into contentious incidents during the confrontation between Israel
and the Palestinian organisation, Hamas, in July and August 2014.
The fighting raged in this time period saw entire neighbourhoods in the Gaza strip flattened and
almost onethird of the area’s population uprooted.
In one incident in July, 15 Palestinians were killed and 200 injured by an Israeli rocket strike on a
school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
The overall violence had killed more than 2100 Palestinians and destroyed over 100000 homes.
About KC Reddy
KC Reddy belonged to the Meghalaya cadre of the IPS. He was awarded the Indian Police Medal for
Meritorious Service. Reddy was formerly the chief security adviser to the secretarygeneral for the
UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS).
Affairs Today
Long Range SurfacetoAir Missile (LRSAM) codeveloped by India and Israel, was successfully test
fired from a range in Israel. The test fire was carried by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in the
presence of DRDO scientists and officials of the Indian Armed Forces.
The successful test marked a milestone in bilateral cooperation of the two countries in developing
advanced weapon systems.
Test: The missile successfully intercepted a maneuvering target mimicking an attacking combat
aircraft. The test also validated all the elements related to the naval and landbased variants of the
missile including the phased array radar, battle management system, communications and the
interceptor.
Importance of Long Range SurfacetoAir Missile (LRSAM)
LRSAM will be deployed on the newly commissioned INS Kolkata, which had to be inducted
without the weapon system due to delays in testing.
It would also be deployed on other naval ships including recently commissioned INS Kamrota.
About Long Range SurfacetoAir Missile (LRSAM)
LRSAM is called Barak 8 missile in Israel. Barak is the Hebrew word for Lightning.
It is designed to counter a wide variety of airborne threats such as antiship missiles, aircraft, UAVs
and drones as well as supersonic cruise missiles.
Barak 8 is an advanced, longrange missile defence and air defence system with main features
being:
Long Range
Active Radar Seeker Missile
Vertical Launch
Multiple Simultaneous Engagements.
On 9th November 2014, Germany marks 25 years since the euphoric fall of the Berlin Wall. A great
festival was organized to celebrate to mark this peaceful revolution which ended Europe’s Cold War
division on November 9, 1989. On the occasion, white balloons marking a small stretch of the wall
were released to symbolize the disappearance of the wall.
About Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall separated the city of Berlin into communist East Berlin and democratic West Berlin in
Germany from 1961 to 1989. It was constructed by German Democratic Republic (GDR) or East
Germany starting on 13 August 1961. Many people thought it was a symbol of the Cold War. The
Berlin Wall was about 168 km long of which only 3 kilometer is in existence now also.
It was built to prevent people from escaping from the eastern half of Berlin.
The Berlin Wall was officially referred to as the AntiFascist Protection Rampart by GDR authorities,
implying that the NATO countries and West Germany in particular were fascists. The West Berlin city
government sometimes referred to it as the Wall of Shame (term coined by Mayor Willy Brandt) while
condemning the Wall’s restriction on freedom of movement.
East German guards had shot and killed more than 100 people who tried to escape communist
control by climbing the wall or tunneling beneath it. Its fall in 1989 became a powerful symbol of the
end of the Cold War.
On 8th November 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping committed $40 billion to give a push for reviving
the ancient Silk Road of China and break the connectivity bottleneck in Asia. This sum was
announced at a summit attended by leaders of neighboring countries of Bangladesh, Cambodia,
Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan and Tajikistan.
The summit was hosted by China in order to strengthen its connectivity and improve cooperation
neighbouring country and firming up support for its mega 21st Century Silk Road Economic Belt and
the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Key facts:
Silk Road Fund will be open and welcome investors from Asia and beyond to actively take part in
the project.
The neighbouring countries must strengthen connectivity and boost cooperation.
China’s plans to build the 21st Century Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road
besides Beijing’s push for creation of the AIIB.
Representatives of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation also took part in the event.
The summit was organised ahead of the 10th November 2014 meeting of Asia Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) leaders.
Chinese President had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the summit during their first
meeting in Brazil. However, Indian PM could not make it to the summit due to his commitments to
attend next week’s East Asia Summit in Myanmar followed by G20 leaders meeting in Australia.
About Silk Road
The idea of reestablishment of maritime Silk Road was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in
2013. The main aim is China is to gain easier access to global markets. The plan incorporates both a
land route and a sea route. The landbased Silk Road is expected to start at Xi’an, the capital of
Shaanxi province, located in northwest China, eventually heading southwest across Central Asia, the
Middle East and Europe. The Maritime Silk Road is planned to start near Guangdong on the South
China Sea and move to the Malacca Strait and the Indian Ocean. From there it will traverse the Horn
of Africa, heading into the Red Sea and Mediterranean. The project shows China’s newfound desire
to invest in projects outside of mainland China.
On 8th November 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping committed $40 billion to give a push for reviving
the ancient Silk Road of China and break the connectivity bottleneck in Asia. This sum was
announced at a summit attended by leaders of neighboring countries of Bangladesh, Cambodia,
Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan and Tajikistan.
The summit was hosted by China in order to strengthen its connectivity and improve cooperation
neighbouring country and firming up support for its mega 21st Century Silk Road Economic Belt and
the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Key facts:
Silk Road Fund will be open and welcome investors from Asia and beyond to actively take part in
the project.
The neighbouring countries must strengthen connectivity and boost cooperation.
China’s plans to build the 21st Century Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road
besides Beijing’s push for creation of the AIIB.
Representatives of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation also took part in the event.
The summit was organised ahead of the 10th November 2014 meeting of Asia Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) leaders.
Chinese President had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the summit during their first
meeting in Brazil. However, Indian PM could not make it to the summit due to his commitments to
attend next week’s East Asia Summit in Myanmar followed by G20 leaders meeting in Australia.
About Silk Road
The idea of reestablishment of maritime Silk Road was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in
2013. The main aim is China is to gain easier access to global markets. The plan incorporates both a
land route and a sea route. The landbased Silk Road is expected to start at Xi’an, the capital of
Shaanxi province, located in northwest China, eventually heading southwest across Central Asia, the
Middle East and Europe. The Maritime Silk Road is planned to start near Guangdong on the South
China Sea and move to the Malacca Strait and the Indian Ocean. From there it will traverse the Horn
of Africa, heading into the Red Sea and Mediterranean. The project shows China’s newfound desire
to invest in projects outside of mainland China.
Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing a treaty on transfer of sentenced persons between
India and Nigeria. The treaty will facilitate Indian prisoners imprisoned in Nigeria or Nigerian prisoners
in India to be near their families, for serving the remaining part of their sentence and shall facilitate
their social rehabilitation.
This treaty for the transfer of prisoners was approved under the Repatriation of Prisoners Act,
2003 passed by the Union government to send foreign prisoners back to their country and bring back
Indian from foreign jails.
Background of Repatriation of Prisoners Act, 2003
Prior to 2004, there was no domestic legislation under which foreign prisoners could be transferred to
the country of their origin to serve the remaining part of their sentence, nor was there a provision for
the transfer of prisoners of Indian origin convicted by a foreign court to serve their sentence in India.
In 2003, India enacted Repatriation of Prisoners Act to provide for the transfer of prisoners from India
to country or place outside India and reception in India of certain prisoners from country or place
outside India.
So far India has singed such agreements with 35 countries including Nigeria.
Some countries which have singed such Agreements with India are United Kingdom, Mauritius,
Bulgaria, Brazil, Cambodia, Egypt, France, Bangladesh, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Sri
Lanka, the UAE, Maldives, Thailand, Turkey, Italy, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Israel, Russia and Vietnam.
The same kind of negotiations has also been concluded with the Governments of Canada, Hong
Kong, Australia and Spain.
On 5th November 2014, Forbes magazine released the list of ‘World’s 72 Most Powerful People’. The
list gives the annual ranking of the World’s 72 Most Powerful People on the basis of their financial
resources, scope and use of power and the number of people they impact.
Some key facts from this year’s Forbes list of World’s Most Powerful People
For the consecutive second year, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been named the world’s
most powerful person in the list.
US President Barack Obama took the second spot on Forbes’ list for the second consecutive year.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is new comer in this list, ranked 15th.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who was the highest ranked Indian last year at 21, was omitted
from the list this year.
Newcomers: This year there are 12 newcomers on the list, including Indian PM Narendra Modi
and Egypt President Abdel elSisi.
Alibiba founder and China’s richest person, Jack Ma also made a first appearance on the list, ranked
30th.
Terror group Islamic State’s chief Abu Bakr alBaghdadi is also new comer to the list, ranked 54th.
The list also included names Indian businessmen’s. Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani
at 36th, ArcelorMittal chairman and CEO Lakshmi Mittal at 57th and Microsoft’s Indianborn CEO
Satya Nadella at 64th.
Women who are in the list: For the first time, two women German Chancellor Angela Merkel and
Head of US Federal Reserve System, Janet Yellen, reached the top 10.
This year there are nine women on the list, representing 12 per cent of the world’s most powerful list.
The list features 17 heads, who run nations with a combined GDP of around 48 trillion US dollars.
10 most powerful people in the world
Rank Name Designation
1 Vladimir Putin President of Russia
2 Barack Obama President of US
3 Xi Jinping President of China
Pope of the Roman
4 Pope Francis Catholic Church, Vatican
City
5 Angela Merkel Chancellor of Germany
Head of US Federal
6 Janet Yellen
Reserve
Chairman of Bill & Melinda
7 Bill Gates
Foundation
President of the European
8 Mario Draghi
Central Bank
Sergey Brin
9 Larry Page Google founders
David
10 Prime Minister of UK
Cameron
Indian’s in this list
15 Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India
Mukesh Chairman of Reliance
36
Ambani Industries
Chairman and CEO
57 Lakshmi Mittal
ArcelorMittal
64 Satya Nadella CEO Microsoft
About the Forbes list of World’s Most Powerful People list
It was stated in 2009. The list has one slot for every 100 million people on Earth, it means in 2009
there were 67 slots on the list, in 2010 there were 68, in 2011 there were 70, and in 2012 there were
71 slots.
Slots are allocated based on the amount of human and financial resources as well as their influence
on world events.
The list seeks to answer a straight yet complex question that What is the true nature of power and
can we really compare and rank heads of state with religious figures and outlaws?
The World Trade Centre (WTC) in New York has been reopened for business. The 104 storey
building was rebuilt at a cost of $4.2 billion, thirteen years after the 9/11 terrorist attack. Though no
official opening ceremony was conducted, businesses will be able to operate from the World Trade
Centre. The reopening of WTC was an emotional moment for all New Yorkers, and the structure
marks the resilient spirit of the people of New York.
One Trade Centre is now open to commercial tenants. Publishing giant, Conde Nast, became the first
commercial tenant to begin work at One WTC. The eight year long construction of the 541 m high
building was completed after years of political, financial and legal infighting that threatened to derail
the project. The construction of One WTC was on strong footing only as construction of two other
towers started going up on the southeast end of the site. 4 WTC is now completed, and its anchor
tenant is the Port Authority, and 3 WTC is slowly rising.
One WTC has leased 58% of its 2,78,000 sq. m. of space. Other tenants are also expected to move
into the building, which authorities are calling the most secure office building in America.
On the insistence of countries like India, UN SecretaryGeneral, Ban Kimoon, has constituted a
blueribbon panel to recommend changes to international peacekeeping to enable it to cope with
increasingly complex and dangerous conflicts worldwide. The Security Council takes a call on
deployment of UN Peacekeeping Forces (UNPKF), and the last year has seen a spike in violence
against the UNPKF with an increased death toll, the brunt of which is borne by countries like India
which contribute greatly to the UNPKF soldiers or ‘blue helmets’. A wave of attacks on blue helmets in
Mali, Darfur and the Central African Republic left 14 dead in a span of two weeks in October this year.
Other than the blue helmets, the UN also has 1,30,000 troops, police and civilian staff serving in
missions worldwide.
The report will be laid in front of the UNGA in September 2015.
Membership of the Panel
The independent panel will be chaired by former East Timor President, Jose RamosHorta. The
Panel will also include 13 other experts from a wide range of countries who will undertake a major
review of peace operations. This will be the first such review in 15 years. The Panel will also include
an Indian, Lt. General Abhijit Guha, who is a retired Indian Army officer who now holds a UN post.
Objective of the Panel
The Panel will assess UN’s 16 currently active peacekeeping operations. It will also attempt to
determine the needs of the future on a variety of issues from everchanging warfare to administrative
arrangements of missions and the protection of civilians.
India’s role
India is the third largest contributor of UNPKF with 8,132 of its soldiers deployed on UN missions.
India is preceded only by Bangladesh and Pakistan as far as contribution to the UNPKF goes.
India has lost three Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan and 39 peacekeepers in the Congo. With
an estimated 157 Indian soldiers having lost their lives in peacekeeping operations since 1950, India
has suffered the highest number of casualties. This has caused India to call for a greater role in the
decision making about peacekeeping operations, especially in areas of internal political conflict, and
has raised this issue with UNPKF officials.
UNPKF
The Department of Peacekeeping Operations was established in 1948. It has a total number of
1,11,512 active personnel, with 90,905 of them being uniformed forces.
The United Nations Charter gives the UNSC the power to take collective action in the interest of
international peace and security. Hence, the UNSC generally authorizes peacekeeping operations. All
UN member nations are obligated to make necessary armed forces and facilities available to the
UNPKF. Since 1948, approximately 130 nations have contributed military and civilian police personnel
to peace operations. As of 30th April 2014, 122 countries were contributing a total of 97,729
personnel in Peacekeeping Operations.
On 30th October 2014, five Indian fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu were sentenced to
death penalty by the High court of Sri Lanka.
Case: Five fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested in November 2011 on charges of smuggling
narcotics from India to Sri Lanka after they crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line.
High court of Sri Lanka sentenced three Sri Lankans and five Indian fishermen death penalty in this
case.
Indian Government’s response to this decision
India was tracking this case since 2011 and the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka had been
providing legal aid to the fishermen.
As per MEA, the fishermen are not guilty.
In order to get them back to MEA will follow the legal process.
Earlier, MEA had submitted background profiles of all the five fishermen with bona fides that they
were genuine fishermen. India even had given details of five fishermen that had no record of
involvement in drug related activities.
However, the Sri Lankan authorities went ahead with the conviction, which is against the
established practices between India and Sri Lanka.
This decision is considered as an unpleasant development, which may in future strain India’s bilateral
ties with Sri Lanka.
India won its reelection to the EcoSoc. This win comes just a week after India’s reelection to the
UNHRC. On election, members serve a three year term. India’s previous term was scheduled to end
in 2013. Now, on reelection, India will serve another three year term beginning on 1st January, 2015.
Reelection to the EcoSoc
A country requires twothirds of the total votes to become a member. EcoSoc has a total of 54
members. The countries serve for overlapping periods of three years. In October this year, all the
members of the UNGA voted to elect 18 members from amongst themselves to the EcoSoc.
India was reelected to the 193member UN body, EcoSoc, after receiving 183 votes. India was re
elected with the highest number of votes in the Asia Pacific group. India was followed by Japan and
Pakistan, both of whom received 181 votes each.
Members of the EcoSoc
The newly elected members of the EcoSoc are Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Estonia,
France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Honduras, India, Japan, Mauritania, Pakistan, Portugal, Trinidad
and Tobago, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The 54 seats on the EcoSoc are allotted ‘based on geographical representation with 14 allocated to
African States, 11 to Asian States, six to Eastern European States, 10 to Latin American and
Caribbean States, and 13 to Western European and other States.’
EcoSoc
The Economic and Social Council is the ‘United Nations’ central platform for reflection, debate, and
innovative thinking on sustainable development.’ EcoSoc is one of the six main UN organs which
were established by the UN Charter. EcoSoc is the ‘principal body for coordination, policy review,
policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as for
implementation of the internationally agreed development goals.’ It supervises ‘the subsidiary and
expert bodies in the economic, social and environmental fields.’
India and Vietnam signed seven agreements after PM Modi met his counterpart Nguyen Tan Dung.
The two also held talks on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, and called for ‘freedom of
navigation and commerce, and peaceful settlement of maritime disputes in the region’.
Exploration of oil & gas blocks
India’s OVL (ONGC Videsh Ltd.) and PetroVietnam signed an agreement to explore two additional oil
and gas blocks in the hydrocarbon rich South China Sea. Along with this, they also signed an
agreement for extension of contract for another project in the South China Sea. Including the two
blocks recently agreed upon, India is now involved in five exploration projects with Vietnam. The
Vietnamese also welcomed Indian oil and gas companies to explore new opportunities in midstream
and downstream activities in the oil and gas sector in Vietnam.
Trade
Bilateral trade between the two countries has steadily improved, especially after the implementation
of the IndiaASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement. The conclusion of the IndiaASEAN Trade in
Services and Investment Agreements is expected to provide a further impetus to trade. Both
countries also agreed to enhance the bilateral trade targets to US $15 billion by 2020.
Defence Cooperation
India is committed to the modernisation of Vietnamese defence and security forces. India’s already
substantial training programme for the Vietnamese forces will be expanded. Also joint exercises will
be conducted and the countries will cooperate in the arena of defence equipment.
Cooperation in other areas
Both nations also agreed to increase cooperation in crucial areas of defence, security, trade and
counterterrorism. They signed five pacts providing for cooperation in sectors like ‘education, culture
and broadcasting, conservation and restoration of the world heritage site of My Son in Vietnam’s
Quang Nam Province and the Nalanda university project.’
India also asked Vietnam to provide expeditious clearances to the Tata Group for its thermal power
project inVietnam which is scheduled to be completed by 2020.
Vietnam sought India’s help for skill development in the IT sector, and also asked India to increase
seats for Vietnamese students in Indian educational institutions or consider setting up a university in
Vietnam. India offered Vietnam seats in the Petroleum university to train people for better
management of the oil and gas exploration projects.
Chinese response
Chine has been objecting to India’s oil exploration projects in the disputed waters of South China sea.
Hours after India signed the pact with Vietnam, China warned that it would ‘oppose any exploration
activity in the South China Sea if it undermined its sovereignty and interests’.
Image: AFP
Dilma Rousseff has been reelected the President of Brazil by a narrow margin. Dilma Rousseff’s
Workers’ Party has been in power in Brazil since 2002. Rousseff has been in power since 2010. With
this year’s win, Rousseff will act as President for the next four years.
She won the runoff with 51.6% of the votes.
She had a slim, threepoint margin over the centrist candidate Aecio Neves. Neves is more pro
business than Rousseff.
Her win has been credited mainly to the work against inequality and poverty carried out by the
Workers’ Party since 2003, and especially under her predecessor.
The election split Brazil almost evenly in two, along lines of social class and geography. Rousseff is
popular in the poorer northern states, while her opponent from the Brazilian Social Democracy
Party is more popular with the wealthier and more developed southern parts of Brazil.
The Workers’ Party had a lead of 12 points over the Brazilian Social Democracy Party in 2010,
which has fallen to three in 2014.
Response of the financial markets
The announcement of the election verdict led to the tumbling of Brazil’s financial markets. There are
doubts as to whether Rousseff will be capable of restoring confidence in the economy and maintain
political support in a sharply divided nation.
Brazil’s economy, was growing at a rate of 7.5% before Rousseff’s term, but is expected to grow at
less than 1% this year. Increased inflation has also become a major problem in Brazil.
Decreasing popularity of Rousseff
Initially, Rousseff was very popular thanks to multiple welfare programmes she and her predecessor
and mentor had implemented.
However, dissatisfaction with a sluggish economy, corruption and poor public services has been
increasing at a steady rate. Also, multiple protests have taken place in Brazil against the government.
About Dilma Rousseff
Born in 1947, Dilma grew up in an uppermiddle class household in Belo Horizonte. Her father,
Pedro Rousseff, was an excommunist and Bulgarian immigrant.
When she was young, Dilma aspired to be a ballerina. However, she joined the leftwing
movement against Brazil’s military dictatorship that had seized power in 1964.
In 1970, she was caught and imprisoned for three years, where she was tortured for her role in
the underground resistance.
She, later, fought cancer in 2009.
She rose to prominence as the protege of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the former President of Brazil.
In 2010, she failed to get enough votes in the first round to win outright, but went on to beat her
opponent, Jose Serra of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party, in the second round with more than
56% of the votes.
Rousseff is the first woman to become President of Brazil.
Affairs Today
At the International Gaza Donor Conference in Cairo, India pledged to donate US $ 4 mn in aid to
rebuild Gaza Strip. The Conference is to raise money for rebuilding efforts in Gaza after its latest 50
day war with Israel.
Presentation by Palestinian Authority
The Palestinian Authority presented a 76 page long National Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan
at the Conference. The Palestinians asked for US $ 4 bn, with most of the funds being spent on
reconstruction efforts and building housing for the people, according to its Plan.
Total Donations
The donors raised a total US $ 5.4 bn, with 2.7 bn dedicated to rebuilding efforts. The funds are
expected to reach Palestine within three years.
The largest donor is Qatar with US $ 1 bn. USA has pledged US $ 212 mn for immediate assistance.
EU pledged US $ 568 mn. Regional players, Turkey and UAE, pledged US $ 200 mn each.
Utilization of funds
The funds will be funneled through the Palestinian Authority. Hamas will have no role to play. Most of
the funds are expected to spent under the aegis of various UN bodies. UN already has plans for
approximately US $ 2.1 bn of the funds, with $ 1.6 billion going to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and
Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) and the rest to other UN agencies working
towards different things in Palestine.
India’s prior assistance to Palestine
India has played an active role in the betterment of Palestine and its people and the basis on which a
strong IndoPalestine partnership has been built. India directly provides budgetary, economic and
developmental assistance to Palestine and is active in the areas of capacity development, education
and information technology.
Other than this, India is also a part of multilateral efforts to help Palestinians. A slew of developmental
projects are being implemented under the IBSA (IndiaBrazilSouth Africa) Fund in Palestine. An
important future IBSA project is the reconstruction of the Atta Habib medical centre in Shujiyaa in
Gaza with a cost of US $ 1 mn. Also, India has already been contributing US $ 1 mn annually to the
UNRWA to enable the supply of food and medicines to Gaza.
The World Bank (WB) has launched the GIF to specifically cater to the infrastructure needs of the
emerging economies and developing countries. The GIF will channel money towards bankable
infrastructure project in such countries. GIF also places importance on sustainable development. Its
key focus will be on climate friendly infrastructure investments and projects that will boost trade.
The GIF will collaborate with other international and multilateral agencies which provide loans and
financial assistance to countries across the globe. It will also help these agencies with its expertise in
financing, supervising and implementing projects. Another areas where GIF could provide assistance
it ensuring that all regulatory, environmental and social safeguards are met with while investing in
large scale infrastructure projects. GIF will also work with private entities like asset management
companies, private equity firms, pensions and insurance funds and commercial banks to tap into
multiple sources of funding.
In the World Bank’s latest ‘Migration and Development Brief’, India has remained the top country to
receive inward remittance with a total of $71 bn just this year. This stable inflow of remittances is
important in boosting India’s balance of payments
Future Trends
The report predicts a modest rise of 1.5% in the inwards remittances to India during 2014.
However, remittances to the developing countries are expected to increase by 5% to reach $435 bn
in 2014, driven largely by remittances to Asia and Latin America. Remittances to the South Asia are
expected to improve after a slower growth in 2013.
Global remittances are estimated to increase from $582 bn to $608 bn in 2014
Forced Migration
Though the rise in inward remittances is a positive development, the rise in forced migration has
revealed the troubling circumstances that are prevalent across the world. Forced Migration due to
conflict were at their highest level since World War II, affecting over 51 mn people. An additional 22
mn people have been forced to move due to natural disasters.
Kenyan President Kenyatta has confirmed his appearance at The Hague, Netherlands on October 8
to respond to multiple charges against him at the ICC (International Criminal Court).
Resignation
In an unprecedented move, Kenyatta has invoked a hitherto unused article of the Constitution to
resign temporarily, with the Deputy President, William Ruto, taking his place as Acting President till
the return of Kenyatta. This step has been taken because Mr.Kenyatta has insisted that he will
appear before the ICC in his personal capacity and not as the President of a nation. It is to be noted
that Kenyatta had also appeared at the ICC before he became President in 2013.
Kenyatta will risk an international arrest warrant and international condemnation against him
personally and economic sanctions against Kenya, if he failed to comply with the summons issued by
the ICC.
Charges against Mr.Kenyatta
Kenyatta faces five charges of crimes against humanity, inciting violence and organizing ethnic
massacres that killed 1,200 people. He has denied all the charges that have been brought against
him.
In September, the ICC postponed the trial after prosecutors said the Kenyan government had failed
to submit important documents. The case of the prosecution is weak as of now because several
prosecution witnesses have withdrawn from the case. The ICC has summoned Kenyatta for a status
hearing so he may explain allegations that evidence against has been withheld by the Kenyans. His
request to participate by video was rejected by the Court.
Massacres
The massacres that Mr.Kenyatta is accused of playing a role in, took place after the 2007 elections in
Kenya. Kenyatta was a close ally of the winner of the election, Mwai Kibaki. Kibaiki’s opponent, Raila
Odinga, claimed that the elections were rigged. The dispute then lead to violence with peoples of
different ethnicities pitted against each other. Kenyatta is accused of organizing ethnic gangs to
attack rival groups.
Around a thousand people were killed and hundreds of thousands were displaced in the violence.
Typhoon Phanfone made landfall near the city of Hamamatsu in Japan. Many parts of Japan faced
torrential rain, with some areas receiving a month’s worth of rainfall in a matter of minutes.
As many as 600 domestic flights and 19 international flights have been cancelled. Over 2,00,000
people have been asked to evacuate their homes throughout Eastern Japan due to threat of
landslides and flooding of rivers.
Tropical Storm Risk is a storm tracker that tracks cyclones etc and categories them as per their
expected severity. Phanfone was earlier labeled a category one typhoon, which is the lowest on a
scale of one to five. However, as it approached, the typhoon was labeled a category four.
Within days of the PM’s announcement of lifetime visas for PIOs, the notification for the same has
been issued by the Centre.
Notification
The notification amends the rules of the PIO Card Scheme so that new recipients of PIO cards will
receive cards that will be valid for the duration of their life, provided they are holders of valid
passports. This lifetime validity will be applicable retrospectively to holders of PIO cards too if they
possess a valid passport. Earlier, PIOs had cards which granted them a 15 year visa, which could
then be extended for a term of 10 years at a time.
The Scheme for issuance of Person of Indian Origin Card (PIO Card) Amendment Scheme, 2014
also amended the rules that required PIOs spending more than 180 days in India to register
themselves with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office). No such registration is now
required irrespective of how long the PIO’s stay is.
PIO
A PIO refers to any person without Indian passport and not a citizen of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China,
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, who falls under any of the following categories
Any person who has at any time held an Indian passport
Any person whose parent(s) or grandparent (s) or great grandparents (s) was born in India or was
a permanent resident in India . However, such a person should not have been a citizen of any
other specific country
Any person who is a spouse of a citizen of India or of a PIO who falls under any of the above two
categories
Scheme for issuance of Person of Indian Origin Card (PIO Card) Scheme, 2002
This scheme was launched in 15th September 2002. The aim of this scheme was to ensure easier
travel of PIOs to India. Holders of PIO cards can avail of various benefits, the most important of which
is travelling to India without a visa.
The International Day of Nonviolence is being celebrated throughout the world on October 2, 2014
the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This Day is observed by all countries of the UN and it
promotes the principles of nonviolence through education and public awareness.
About International day of NonViolence
A resolution was tabled in the UNGA in 2007 to establish the International Day of Nonviolence in an
effort to spread the message of nonviolence. The resolution acknowledged the efforts of Mahatma
Gandhi is spreading the message of nonviolence, and it was decided to celebrate the International
Day of Nonviolence on October 2. This resolution passed in the UNGA, and since then October 2
has been globally observed as International Day of Nonviolence.
A joint editorial released by India and US highlighted the following developments in the bilateral
relationship of the two countries:
Indo US Investment Initiative
Establishment of an Indo US Investment Initiative led by the Ministry of Finance on the Indian side
and the Department of Treasury on the American side, with special focus on capital market
development and financing of infrastructure. This Initiative will focus on increasing investment by
institutional investors and corporate entities
Infrastructure Collaboration Platform
Establishment of an Infrastructure Collaboration Platform convened by the Ministry of Finance on
the Indian side and the Department of Commerce on the American side to facilitate the participation
of American companies in Indian infrastructure projects
Trade Policy Forum
The two countries committed to work through the Trade Policy Forum to promote a business
environment that was conducive for companies to invest and manufacture in both in India and US.
Also, an annual highlevel Intellectual Property Working Group as a part of the Trade Policy Forum
will be formed to look into issues related to innovation.
Others
The two leaders also committed to hold publicprivate discussions in the early part of 2015 under
the already existing Commercial Dialogue on new areas of cooperation, including innovation in
advanced manufacturing
After reiterating their commitment to working together towards the creation of a new global
agreement on climate change, they agreed to hold an urgent meeting of their bilateral task force
on HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) prior to the next meeting of the Montreal Protocol
The two leaders launched a new US – India Climate Fellowship Program to build each other’s long
term capacity to address climate change related issues
A MoU between the ExportImport Bank and the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
was signed. This MoU would make up to $1 bn in financing available to India to help its transition
to a low carbon and climate resilient energy economy, at the same time boosting American
renewable energy exports to India
The countries also agreed to a 10 year extension of the 2005 Framework for the US – India
Defense Relationship
The two leaders decided to intensify cooperation in maritime security, mainly by enhancing
technology partnerships for India’s Navy and also upgrading the existing military exercise Malabar.
USA pledged to help India counter the threat of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) through I&T
(information and technology)
The two leaders appreciated the establishment and planned first meeting of the NASAISRO Mars
Joint Working Group under the U.S.India Civil Space Joint Working Group and hoped for further
cooperation in the area of space technology
The two countries agreed to launch a new phase of the IndiaU.S. Vaccine Action Program and
emphasis on developing affordable vaccines for dengue, malaria, and TB
The two countries pledged to work together towards the export of nuclear technology from US to
India to make India more selfreliant. In furtherance of this, the countries decided to continue
working towards India’s phased entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Australia Group. The
American President expressed his support for India’s early application and eventual membership
in all four regimes.
The ‘Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go’ vision statement speaks of strengthening the
strategic partnership between India and USA. This statement was released during PM Modi’s visit to
Washington DC to meet President Obama. The statement expressed the following points:
The strategic partnership of the two nations rests on the shared mission to provide equal
opportunity to its people through democracy and freedom
The two countries are bound together by kinship and commerce, scholarship and science. The
ties between the people of both countries and their cooperation has resulted in developments
in science and the arts. This enables the leaders of both countries to have a long term
perspective as regards the partnership
One major goal of the partnership is prosperity and peace. This endeavor shall be fulfilled through
intense consultations, joint exercises, and shared technology. Security cooperation between the
two will be targeted at the region and the world at large too. The countries also aim to work
together towards combating terrorist threats, keeping its county and its peoples safe and
responding to humanitarian disasters. The countries also dedicate themselves to stopping the
spread of WMDs, reducing the salience of nuclear weapons, and promoting universal, verifiable
and nondiscriminatory nuclear disarmament
Close cooperation between the two at the UN and beyond
Support for India assuming a greater multilateral responsibility, including in a reformed UNSC and
for an open and inclusive rules based global order
Working together to mitigate the impact of climate change and adapt to the changing environment.
Cooperation between the government and the science and academic communities to address the
consequences of unchecked pollution. Take steps to ensure availability of affordable, reliable,
clean and diverse sources of energy for both nations, including by bringing nuclear power
technologies of American origin to India
Engaging in joint research and collaboration in a variety of areas from particles of creation to outer
space
Striving for open markets that will allow trade and service to flourish. Also work towards ensuring
that economic growth results in better livelihoods and welfare for all people in the country.
The two countries will also work jointly to counter infectious diseases, eliminate maternal and child
deaths and to eradicate poverty
The countries will also work to provide a secure environment which encourages the fullest
empowerment of women
The countries also agreed to expand and deepen their strategic partnership so that they may
harness the inherent potential of the two democracies and its people.
Other than Business Diplomacy a major aim of the PM’s visit was to reengage with USA and
rejuvenate the IndoUS strategic partnership which reached its peak at the signing of the 123
agreement and has since slowly fizzled out. The ‘Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go’
vision statement discusses the varied areas wherein the two countries might benefit from co
operation and collaboration. This statement acts as a roadmap to the future IndoUS partnership,
and speaks to how the two countries view each other’s roles in the international arena.
In his speech addressing IndianAmericans at Madison Square Garden, PM Modi announced lifetime
visas for PIOs (Persons of Indian origin). In additional reforms, he said that PIO card holders staying
for a long term will not have to report at the local police station and that eventually, PIO and OCI
schemes will be merged and the process streamlined in order to facilitate easy travel for the card
holders.
As far as US citizens are concerned, he announced a visa on arrival scheme for them. He also
mentioned that the government was looking into granting long term visas for US citizens visiting India
as tourists.
PM Modi’s first speech before the UNGA has been commended by his supporters and critics alike. He
touched upon various topics concerning India and the world in his address, which was delivered in
Hindi. The speech which lasted a little more than thirty minutes was read from a prepared text, and
some parts were extempore too. Some of the points he made in his speech are as follows:
The PM asserted that India’s future was tied with that of its neighbors. Citing instances of his
government’s attempts to reach out to different neighbors, he also made it clear that no stable
relationship could be built under the shadow of terrorism
Condemning terrorism and rising extremism in various parts of the world, he insisted that all
nations of the world would have to function in unison to deal with such a menace. He also called
for genuine dialogue and engagement between countries
In a rebuke to Mr. Nawaz Sharif’s reference to Kashmir in his speech, the PM said that it was
pointless to raise bilateral issues in international forums like the UN
He also stated that it was now up to Pakistan to establish an atmosphere that was conducive to
resuming talks
Rejecting unilateralism, he said that countries would have to work together to resolve the issues
before them. Drawing on India’s ancient history and wisdom, he stated that India viewed the world
as one. Even though India is a developing nation it is ready to share its modest resources with the
world, he stated. He also questioned the necessity of various grouping of nations like G8 etc when
a multilateral body like the UN existed.
He also called for reforms to the UNSC
He highlighted issues faced by nations and it people due to globalization and climate chang
He said that democratic principles and unity were on an upsurge in various parts of the world,
highlighting Afghanistan and Nepal as examples. He also mentioned that the world was
experiencing increasing levels of prosperity and stability, especially in Latin America
The PM drew on India’s soft power across the globe by making references to yoga and calling for
celebration of International Yoga Day
On September 27, 2014, Pro Democracy protests in Hong Kong against a ruling imposing restrictions
on the city’s Chief Executive Official were brought forward to follows the student protests calling for
greater political freedom. The Central in OCLP refers to the business district in Hong Kong, where the
protests were to be held. The demands of the nonviolent protests are universal suffrage in Hong
Kong and that the impending elections in 2017 and 2020 be held according to international
standards. The elections in question are for the Chief Executive position and Legislative Council
seats.
The protest was conceived to be an act of civil disobedience by the organizers. Hong Kong citizens,
unlike those of mainland China have the right to free speech and right to protest. The ruling of the
National People’s Congress that triggered the protests said that candidates for the 2017 Chief
Executive elections would be nominated only by a Committee which consisted mostly of pro Beijing
members.
The protests were met with repression from the police officials. The Police are believed to have
arrested 78 people since the student demonstrations began. There have been reports saying that the
police used pepper spray and tear gas to disperse the protestors. At least 26 people are believed to
have been hospitalized; some police officials were also injured.
Business groups, multiple Chinese and Hong Kong government officials, and pro Beijing lobbies have
condemned the protests. The Chinese government has also accused foreign elements of meddling in
its affairs and encouraging separatist sentiments.
Rival Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas have agreed to a unified government in Gaza that is set
to assume power immediately. The government will be headed by Mahmoud Abbas, as agreed upon
by the two sides in talks held in Egypt. The two sides agreed to the unity government along with the
UN controlling the Gaza border crossings. Also, a decision has been made to constitute a joint
committee than will oversee implementation of previous reconciliation agreements between the two
factions.
The deal will see Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by some countries, cede power
in the Gaza strip which has been under its control since 2007 when it won elections there. Since
gaining power, Hamas has fought three wars with Israel. Its recent conflict with Israel also ended in a
ceasefire deal which stipulated that Mahmoud Abbas’ Palestinian Authority must control the civil
administration of Gaza.
Bamiyan in Afghanistan is best known for two 6th century colossal statues of Buddhas , belonging to
ancient Gandhara School of Art. These colossal buddha images were destroyed by Taliban in 2001.
In September 2014, Bamiyan has been given the honour of being the SAARC Cultural Capital for the
year 201516. This was agreed upon at the SAARC Culture Ministers Conference, which also
designated Dhaka as the cultural capital for the year 201617. Also, the year 201617 is to be the
SAARC Year of Cultural Heritage. These developments are part of the efforts aimed at strengthening
cultural ties among SAARC nations.
India will contribute $10 mn to the UN SecretaryGeneral’s Fund for Ebola, and an additional $2 mn is
being allocated towards purchase of protective gear to tackle the virus, which has been declared a
threat to international peace and security by the UNSC.
The outbreak of the Ebola virus in Africa earlier this year has worsened since, with a death toll of
more than 2,000 persons. Certain areas in Sierra Leone have been quarantined to restrict the spread
of the virus. The virus has caused widespread panic in the African continent withsome countries
attempting to place restrictions on travel. The UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response is being
put in place to formulate an effective response mechanism.
The standoff at the SinoIndian border at Ladakh, which escalated on the eve of Chinese President
Xi Jinping’s visit to India was finally resolved when the Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
met the Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi in New York, on the sidelines of the UNGA summit.
The withdrawal of troops from Ladakh’s Chumar region is set to begin immediately and will be
completed by the end of September.
The conflict between the two sides began when some Chinese workers who were building a road on
their side of the border, crossed over to the Indian side and claimed that they had orders to construct
a road up to Tible, which is around 5 kms into Indian territory. The situation escalated when both
sides increased troop presence around that border.
This is not the first instance of border skirmishes overshadowing the visit of Chinese leaders. In 2013,
during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to India, Chinese troops entered Depsang Valley in Ladakh.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2178 (2014) at a
special sitting of the UNSC where most members were represented by their heads of state and the
meeting itself was chaired by President Obama.
The resolution was passed under Chapter VII of the UN Charter which makes it binding on all
member states. The resolution emphasizes on international cooperation to undertake counter
terrorism measures to stop the ISIS threat. It places specific obligations on member states to take
steps to stop the flow of foreign terrorist fighters (FTF) to the area of conflict. The resolution also calls
upon the UN agencies to play their part in helping nations assess and curb the threat of FTF. The
resolution is a milestone because it requires the member to take affirmative action to prevent
recruitment and movement of FTF instead of merely condemning FTF.
Earlier, in August, Resolution No. 2170 (2014) was adopted by the UNSC which condemned violence
and the abuse of human rights by extremist groups like ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Kaushik Basu, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of World Bank, has been appointed as
presidentelect of the association by the International Economic Association (IEA). Meanwhile, Basu
will continue serving as Senior Vice President and World Bank Chief Economist. A World Bank Chief
Economist is appointed for a 4 year term and Basu started his Job as Senior Vice President and
World Bank Chief Economist on October 1, 2012.
The International Economic Association (IEA) is one of the key organizations of professional
economists, and has been significant in determining global economic policy and research. Amongst
the past presidents of IEA were the Nobel laureates Robert Solow, Amartya Sen and Joseph Stiglitz.
Thus, Kaushik Basu will be the 2nd Indian to head IEA.
IEA produces a large number of research papers and books and organises round tables on topics of
presentday interest. Its principal activities include International Congress organized every 3 years.
The occasion serves as one of the major assemblies of economists from around the world. The 2014
International Congress was held at Dead Sea, Jordan. Earlier to that the Congress was hosted by
China in Beijing in 2011.
Indian scientist Kamal Bawa, an eminent professor of biology at the University of Massachusetts in
Boston, won the Midori Prize (2014) in Biodiversity for his research, including in climate change in the
Himalayas.
Kamal Bawa, founder president of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment
(ATREE) in Bangalore, will accept the prize with a cash award of $100,000 during the Oct 1617,
2014 Conference of Parties (COP12) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in South
Korea. India, the at present the chair of the COP11 and India will pass the baton to Korea at the
COP12 in South Korea. The theme of this year’s COP12 meeting is ‘Biodiversity for Sustainable
Development’.
Other Awardees For Year 2014
Alfred OtengYeboah (Ghana) Chair, Ghana National Biodiversity Committee
Bibiana Vila (Argentina) Director, Vicuñas, Camelids and Environment (VICAM), Principal
Researcher, National Research Council (CONICET) Argentina.
Midori Prize for Biodiversity
Established in 2010 at the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the AEON Environmental Foundation,
the Midori Prize is regarded a major element “at the service of the objectives of the United
Nations Decade on Biodiversity 20112020.” The Prize honors 3 individuals who have made
exceptional contribution to conservation and sustainable use at local and global levels, and who have
inspired several biodiversityrelated works, as well as fostering consciousness about biodiversity.
Each winner gets a certificate, a memorial gift and a cash prize of USD100,000. The MIDORI Prize
serves as a key instrument at the service of the aims of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity
20112020.
Researchers at the Cavendish Laboratory of the Cambridge University for the very first time have
developed a graphemebased flexible screen. The advancement is important because it will lead to
the development of nextgeneration hightech wearable and foldable electronic devices in future.
Professor Andrea Ferrari, Director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre and Plastic Logic
demonstrated a flexible display incorporating graphene in its pixels’ electronics.
Graphenebased flexible screen
The novel prototype is an effective matrix electrophoretic display, comparable to the screens used in
today’s ereaders, excluding the fact that it is made of flexible plastic as an alternative of glass. The
pixel electronics, or backplane of this display comprises a solutionprocessed graphene electrode, in
contrast to conventional displays. It will substitute the sputtered metal electrode layer within Plastic
Logic’s conventional devices, which will bring about the product and method benefits.
The newfangled 150 pixel per inch backplane was prepared at low temperatures (less than 100
degrees Celsius) by means of the Plastic Logic’s Organic Thin Film Transistor (OTFT)
technology. The prototype will quicken the commercial development of grapheme and is being
considered as the first step in the direction of broader application of graphene and graphenelike
materials into flexible electronics. The ultraflexible graphene layer will permit a extensive range of
products, involving foldable electronics.
About Graphene
Graphene is a 2D (twodimensional) material comprising of sheets of carbon atoms. It is amongst the
strongest, most lightweight and flexible materials identified, and has the capacity to revolutionize
industries from healthcare to electronics. Graphene is more elastic than usual ceramic substitutes like
IndiumTin oxide (ITO) and more transparent than metal films. Graphene can be processed from
solution bringing characteristic benefits of using more effective printed and rolltoroll manufacturing
methods. Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov of Russia won the Nobel Prize 2010 for research on
graphene.
The US President, Barack Obama for the first time, authorized US air strikes against Islamic State of
Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants in Syria. He also asked to increase the airstrikes in Iraq. This will be the
first unrestricted bombing crusade of the US against jihadist ISIS militants in Syria. As per the
strategy, the airstrikes will be a organized crusade of against the group.
Obama held that the air strikes were essential counterterrorism action to stop the ISIS group to
become a threat for the US in future, thus his order doesn’t need congressional approval. ISIS
militants have seized a swath territory in northern parts of Iraq and Syria.
Apart from this, the key ten Arab countries have agreed to help the US in its fight against the jihadist
group, Islamic State (IS). They have assured to offer military backing and humanitarian assistance to
the US to stop the flow of funds and foreign fighters to ISIS. Only, the NATO member, Turkey
declined to join in the group of Arab nations that will support the US.
Approximately 30 years after the protections of the Montreal Protocol were put into action, there’s
more proof that the international contract to safeguard Earth’s ozone layer is effective, as per a fresh
by 300 scientists. The large quantity of most ozonedepleting matters in the atmosphere have fallen
since the earlier assessment, in 2010, and Earth’s shielding ozone layer is displaying signs of
recovery, as per the “Assessment for DecisionMakers,” part of a larger report to be released
early next year.
The report is the most recent in a sequence delivered every four years by the international scientific
community, headed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP), and cosponsored by NOAA, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) and the European Commission. The Decisionmakers trust on these logical
updates and have used them to increase protection of the ozone layer, banning or restricting the use
of ozonedepleting substances, for example.
The stratospheric ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, safeguards the Earth from dangerous
ultraviolet rays of the sun. Maximum ozone is located in the stratosphere, far above Earth. The ozone
layer acts as a safeguard, absorbing UltraViolet (UV) radiation from the Sun and safeguarding
Earth’s surface from dangerous volumes of UV radiation. In the 1970s, NOAA researchers started to
identify that particular chemicals, including chemicals called ChloroFluoroCarbons (CFCs) and
Halons, used extensively in cooling and firefighting, could reach the stratosphere and activate
reactions that damages ozone. In 1985, scientists noticed that a seasonal “Ozone Hole” was
establishing in the Antarctic spring, NOAA researchers performed a key role in showing that those
same chemicals were triggering the hole.
Because of the Montreal Protocol, several ozonedamaging chemicals have been substituted by
substances that don’t destroy ozone. Nonetheless, certain new chemicals, including the CFC
substitute HydroFluoroCarbons (HFCs), are powerful greenhouse gases and could substantially
lead to climate change in the upcoming periods. Researchers from NOAA’s Earth System Research
Laboratory play a significant part in this subject, testing offered new materials to understand if they
are harmless for the ozone layer, climate and the environment.
Key findings:
1. Measures taken under the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the Ozone Layer
are assisting the restore of the ozone layer to yardstick 1980 levels.
2. The climate benefits of the Montreal Protocol could be considerably offset by projected
emissions of HFCs (HydroFluoroCarbons) utilized to substitute ozone depleting
materials.
3. The yearly Antarctic ozone hole has triggered substantial changes in Southern
Hemisphere surface climate in the summer. Ozone reduction has contributed to cooling of the
lower stratosphere and this is very probable the main reason of noticed changes in Southern
Hemisphere summertime circulation over of late decades, with linked effects on surface
temperature, precipitation, and the oceans.
4. In the Northern Hemisphere, where the ozone depletion is lesser, there is no convincing
link between stratospheric ozone depletion and tropospheric climate.
5. CO2, Nitrous Oxide and Methane will have an growing influence on the ozone layer. What
happens to the ozone layer in the second half of the 21st century will mostly be determined by the
concentrations of CO2, methane and nitrous oxide – the 3 key longlived greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere. In general, CO2 and methane lead to increase global ozone levels. By contrast,
nitrous oxide, a byproduct of food production, is both a strong greenhouse gas and an ozone
depleting gas, and is expected to become more significant in future ozone depletion.
On September 17, 2014 i.e. PM Modi’s Birthday, the Chinese president Xi Jinping will land in
Gujarat and will carry besides him $100 billion or Rs 6 lakh crore of investment promises over 5 years
through his forthcoming India visit. This is approximately thrice the $35 billion locked by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi during his recent Japan trip.
China will firstly invest $7 billion in industrial parks in Pune and Gandhinagar, which is just the tip of
the iceberg as Chinese firms are eyeballing over $50 billion worth of investments in transformation of
the Indian railways and running bullet and hispeed trains in India. The Indian Railways has been
granted approval for 100% FDI, and consequently it will come up with a wideranging plan for
facilitating FDI in the sector. China is eager to invest additional $50 billion in roads, ports and the NDA
government’s determined riverlinking plan. The Chinese leader is coming with a delegation of over
100 business heads, involving those from China Harbour, China Railway Construction Group and
Huawei, midst others, and will speak to a trade gathering of over 400 Indian CEOs in Delhi. The
giant 4 Chinese banks (Bank of China, Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), China
Construction Bank and the Agriculture Bank of China) are also arriving with the delegation to
give billions of dollars in advances to Indian infrastructure plans to be completed in joint venture with
Chinese companies.
Senior IAS officer Subhash Chandra Garg, a 1983batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre, was selected
as the ED (Executive Director) of the World Bank. The order released by the Appointments
Committee of Cabinet (ACC) held that Subhash Garg will have tenure of 3 years from the date of
assuming charge of the post.
An ED of the World Bank is accountable for the conduct of the general operations of the Bank. They
also carry out all the powers authorized to them by the Boards of Governors and choose a President
who performs as Chairman of the Boards.
EDs are also accountable for IBRD’s (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) loans,
guarantees and policies that effect the World Bank’s general operations amid others.
India inked a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in services and investments with the Association of
South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), paving the mode for a more relaxed movement of
professionals and additionally opening prospects for investments between India and ASEAN.
India implemented FTA in goods with 10member ASEAN in 2011. 9 out of 10 ASEAN nations have
inked the agreement. Philippines , now the only ASEAN country yet to sign the pact, is finalizing its
domestic process and is probable to sign soon.
All ASEAN members — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — are likely to get the contract approved by their Parliaments after
which it will be formally adopted during the next India–ASEAN summit later this year.
The trade in services agreement contains all characteristics of a contemporary and allinclusive pact
and is in line with the other bilateral agreements that India has inked so far.
Few vital Articles encompassed in the agreement are ones on transparency, domestic regulations,
recognition, market access, national treatment, increasing participation of developing countries, joint
committee on services, review, dispute settlement and denial of benefits, etc.
India and Bahrain trade and commerce ties are on an upsurge. India and Bahrain trade and
commerce has amassed momentum over the years and is assured to increase more with stress on
partnerships in important sectors. Now the stress is on shifting from a characteristic buyerseller
relation to partners in progress. Significant areas include agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare,
medical tourism, real estate and pharmaceuticals.
Key points on IndiaBahrain Trade and Commerce relations:
Bilateral trade crossed $1,3 billion mark in 201314 and is expected to cross $1.5 billion.
India’s export to Bahrain has gone up by more than 80% over the past 5 years from $252 million
to $603 million in 201213.
India’s key nonoil exports include chemicals, compounds of precious metals, boilers, electrical
and electronic machinery and vehicles with spare parts.
Other than oil , India imports Aluminium, Iron and Steel, Salt, Sulphur, Plastering Materials, Lime
and Cement, Fertilizers, etc.
Why Bahrain is important for India?
Besides regular Business relations with Bahrain; Bahrain is important for India as being a member of
GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and Bahrain’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with European
nations and NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) can offer easygoing entry of Indian
goods to the destinations abroad.
India’s nuclear power programme reached a fresh milestone after Unit 5 of the Rajasthan Atomic
Power Station (RAPS), become the 2nd longest running reactor in the world by being in
operation for 765 days nonstop.
The Unit 5 of the RAPS, a 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), in Rawatbhata has
been in uninterrupted operation since August 2, 2012 and it has been operating at full power with a
capacity factor of 105% and has since then generated around 4,258 million units of electricity.
Unit 7 of Canada’s Pickering nuclear plant holds the world record of running the largest operating
plant that ran continuously for 894 days.
On September 5 2014, Representatives of Ukraine, the Russian Federation, the Donetsk People’s
Republic (DPR), and the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) inked the Minsk Agreement (2014) to
stop the war in the Donbass region of Ukraine. The agreement was inked after widespread talks in
Minsk, Belarus, under the patronage of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE). The settlement, which followed numerous earlier efforts to stop fighting in the Donbass, put
into action an instantaneous ceasefire.
Earlier at the NATO Wales Summit 2014, NATO leaders and European Union leaders expressed
profound attentiveness and also enunciated about dialogue for a ceasefire. NATO leaders and
Ukraine considers that rebels are equipped by the Russia.
The Minsk Agreement (2014)
It was drawnup by the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine, which comprised of representatives from
Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE. The protocol of the Minsk Agreement consists of 12 points:
1. Confirm an instant bilateral ceasefire.
2. Confirm the supervising and confirmation by the OSCE of the ceasefire.
3. A decentralization of power, via adoption of the law of Ukraine “about local government provisional
arrangements in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts” (law on the special status).
4. Confirm a longlasting observation of the UkrainianRussian border and confirmation by the OSCE
with the establishment of security zones in the border regions of Ukraine and the Russian
Federation.
5. To instantly let go all hostages and unlawfully imprisoned persons.
6. A law on checking the trial and sentence of persons in link with the events that have taken place in
some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.
7. Resume the comprehensive national dialogue.
8. To take courses to better the humanitarian condition in Donbass.
9. Confirm speedy local elections in agreement with the law of Ukraine “about local government
provisional arrangements in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts” (law on the special
status).
10. Pull out the unlawful armed groups, military equipment, as well as fighters and armed forces from
Ukraine.
11. To implement the program of economic recovery and reconstruction of Donbass region.
12. To deliver personal security for the members in the discussions.
China bestowed China Book Award to Jawaharlal Nehru University professor Priyadarsi Mukherji , for
his support to interpretation and publication of Chinese works. Priyadarsi Mukherji was awarded
along with 10 other winners. China Book Award is a distinctive award to applaud those who have
made great and extensive assistance to familiarizing Chinese books overseas.
Prof. Mukherji is presently working under the Chinese and Sinological Studies department of JNU. He
has translated a number of literary works from Chinese into Bengali, English and Hindi. over the last
25 years he has monographed books on Chinese culture and language. Prof. Mukherji has to his
credit many works themed around China like “Poems of Lu Xun” – an anthology of 45 poems by Lu
Xun from original Chinese into Bengali.
China Book Award was first launched in 2005 by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of
China as a Statelevel award. It intends to encourage Chinese culture and literature overseas.
Awards generally go to foreign sinologists, translators, writers and publishers who have made great
headways in familiarizing Chinese culture to the world.
A new Road Traffic Act will be brought in the winter session of Parliament this year, which will be at
par with international Acts in the Road Sector, this was held by the Union Minister for Road Transport
and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari. He held that the prevailing Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 has
outlasted its usefulness and in the fast changing traffic situation, a holistic Act is desirable. A draft of
the recommended Act is already reaching closing stage and it will have characteristics of the best
practices of developed nations like USA, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Germany and the UK.
The Minister grieved that every year 1,38,000 people are killed in road accidents, the total social cost
of which is estimated to be around Rs 1 Lakh Crore. Additionally, 63 % of the road crash deaths
occur on National and State Highways. The major difficulty faced in urban areas in addition to road
safety is unparalleled growth of vehicles leading to traffic jamming and increasing road traffic
violations.
Due to deficiency of effectual road engineering, faulty DPRs were made leading to rising road
accidents and casualties. There is need to fix responsibility at the top level for such large number of
accidents. There is also a requirement to lay pressure on execution and education for attaining
preferred results on the ground.
The Minister valued the role of Institute of Road Traffic Education regarding capacity building of
road traffic management based upon 25 years of their study.
Approximately 800 years after the ancient education institution was ruined, on September 1, 2014,
Nalanda University (also known as University of Nalanda), in Bihar’s Rajgir district,
commenced its first academic session. Nalanda is a Central University in Rajgir, about 55 miles south
east of Patna, near Nalanda, Bihar, India. The university is envisioned to reestablish the older
Nalanda University which was one of the oldest ancient higherlearning institutions. Nobel Laureate
Dr. Amartya Sen is the Chancellor of the University.
Background:
Historical studies advocate that the University of Nalanda was originally established in the 5th century
AD during the reign of a Gupta King called Śakrāditya (also known as Kumāragupta, reigned
(41555)). Both Xuanzang ((602664) a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveller, and translator)
and Prajñavarman (a Bengali Buddhist writer) cite Śakrāditya as the founder. A Seal discovered at
the site also confirms Śakrāditya as the founder of the University. Śakrāditya’s identity is uncertain
and who is not a historical character, he might have been either Kumaragupta I or Kumaragupta II.
Some buildings were constructed by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka the Great (273–232 BCE). As
per the Historians, Nalanda prospered between the reign of the Gupta king Śakrāditya and 1197 CE,
supported by patronage from Buddhist emperors like Harsha as well as later emperors from the
Pala Empire.
Nalanda University (NU) was one of the world’s first residential universities, as it had dormitories
for students. In its peak it housed over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. The complex was built
with red bricks and its ruins occupy an area of 14 hectares. The university was respected as an
architectural masterpiece, and was marked by a tall wall and one gate. There were 8 distinct
compounds and 10 temples, together with many meditation halls and classrooms. There were lakes
and parks on the grounds. The library was located in a 9storied building where meticulous
copies of texts were produced.
Xuanzang (a Tang Dynasty Chinese pilgrim and scholar) studied, taught and spent nearly 15
years at Nalanda University. He left thorough descriptions of the university in the 7th century. Yijing
((635–713 CE), was a Tang Dynasty Chinese Buddhist monk, originally named Zhang
Wenming) also left information about kingdoms lying on the route between China and the Nālandā
university. He was translated a large number of Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Chinese.
At its peak, the university appealed scholars and students from China, Greece, Indonesia, Japan,
Korea, Persia, Tibet and Turkey. The subjects taught comprised:
Astronomy, Architecture, History, Law, Linguistics, Medicine, Metallurgy, Pharmacology, Public
Health, Religion and Sculpture.
Nalanda University was ruined 3 times by invaders, but reconstructed only twice:
First Destruction: By the Huns under Mihirakula during the reign of Skandagupta (455–467
AD). Later, Skanda’s successors started the restoration, developing it with even larger buildings,
and gifted it with ample resources to let the university sustain itself in the longer span.
Second Destruction: By the Gaudas in the early 7th century. This time, the Bauddha King
Harshavardhana (606–648 AD) restored the Buddhist university.
Third Destruction: Destroyed in a Turkish attack led by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193. Scholars
also mark this event as a late milestone in the fall of Buddhism in India. The Persian
historian MinhajiSiraj, in his records the ‘Tabaqati Nasiri’, reported that thousands of monks
were burned alive and thousands beheaded as Khilji tried his best to uproot Buddhism.
Notable scholars who studied at Nalanda included:
Asanga, Aryadeva, Dharmakirti, Dharmapal, Harshavardhana, Hwui Li, Nagarjuna, Padmasambhava,
Shantarakshita, Suvishnu, Vasubandhu and Xuanzang (the reputed founder of Buddhism in Tibet).
Shilabhadra (Silavadra) was a Buddhist monk and philosopher. He is best known as being an abbot
(a man who is the head of a monastery) of Nālandā monastery in India, He was an expert on
Yogācāra teachings, and was personal tutor of the Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang.
Challenging economic environment for most of the last year has pushed India down to 71st position
in an yearly Global Competitiveness List 201415, released by the Genevabased World Economic
Forum (WEF). India has the lowest position amongst the 5 BRICS Nations. Switzerland is the most
competitive economy.
The yearly list, has come at a time when the fresh Modi Government has just completed 100 days in
power. Thus it faces faces the test of bettering competitiveness and revitalizing the economy, which is
at present growing at half the rate of 2010.
As per the Global Competitiveness Report 201415 the Top 10 nations are as follows:
1) Switzerland
2) Singapore
3) United States
4) Finland
5) Germany
6) Japan
7) Hong Kong SAR
8) Netherlands
9) United Kingdom
10) Sweden
Ranking Amongst the BRICS Nations:
28) China
53) Russia
56) South Africa
57) Brazil
71) India
The decline in position of India by 11 places to 71st, set against the gains of the ASEAN 5 nations,
indicates that the competitiveness divide South and Southeast Asia is becoming more noticeable.
India’s downslide in the competitiveness rankings started in 2009, when its economy was still rising at
8.5% (it even grew by 10.3% in 2010).
Bettering competitiveness would bring in enormous profits for India, it would help rebalance the
economy and shift the nation up the value chain warranting more solid and stable growth. This would
in turn produce more employment opportunities for the India’s speedily rising population.”
On August 30, 2014, email turned 32 years. The method of message transfer was invented by Indian
American V.A.Shiva Ayyadurai when he was just 14 years. V A Shiva Ayyadurai was born to a Tamil
Family in Bombay in 1963.
In 1978, Shiva Ayyadurai invented a computer programme, which he called “email,” that simulated
all the functions of the interoffice mail system: Inbox, Outbox, Folders, Memo, Attachments, Address
Book, etc. These features are now wellknown parts of every email arrangement.
On August 30, 1982, the US government formally recognized Shiva Ayyadurai as the inventor of
email by awarding him the first US Copyright for Email for his 1978 invention. At that time copyright
was the only way to safeguard software inventions.
The Email wasn’t invented, with a huge research budget, in big institutions like the ARPANET, MIT,
etc. Rather these organizations had believed it “impossible” to build such a system, considering it far
too complex.
At the age of 14, Shiva Ayyadurai worked at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
(UMDNJ) as a research fellow, where Dr Leslie Michelson, then Director of the Laboratory Computer
Network (LCN) at UMDNJ gave him a challenge: to transform the old system of paperbased mail
communications used at UMDNJ to an electronic one.
Shiva Ayyadurai created a computer programme of over 50,000 lines of code, which electronically
simulated all the qualities of the interoffice mail system.
The History of Email
1961 Tom Van Vleck – Message transaction multiuser. one computer
1969 Leonard Kleinrock – Message transaction, two computers
1971 Ray Tomlinson Message transaction, multiuser, multicomputer
1973 Vlnton Cerf, Rort Kahn – TCP/IP
1973 BobtcaEthernet
1977 Dave Crock J. Vittal, K. Pogran, D.A. Henderson – RFC 733
1978 The Challenge
(V.A.) Shiva Ayyadurai is asked by Les Michelson to create the fullscale electronic version of the
interoffice paper mail system in use at UMDNJ. Shiva creates first prototype. He calls it “email”
1979 Email System at UMDNJ
Email provides UMDNJ users Inbox? Outbox, Folders, the Memo (To, From, Sublact, Data Cc, Bcc),
Attachments, etc., and processes such as Compose, Foard, Sort, and others with easytouse
interface.
1980 Using Email
Email use grows at UMDNJ. More users, secretaries and doctors, across departments offices and
groups are added on to the email system.
1981 Westinghouse Award
Warting house Award, also own as the “Baby Nobal’s” recognizes Email system for its original
innovation.
1982 Copyright for Email
(V.A.) Shiva Ayyadurai receives US Copyright for “Email”. August 30, 1982: Registration TXU11 1
775
1985 Offline Email Readers
Development of offline readers allow email users to store email on their own personal computers.
Read and compose replies without actually being connected to the network.
1988 EUDORA
Steve Dorner develops Eudora. First commercial product to be widely used for reading and sending
email on Local Area Networks (LAN).
1989 Compuserve & MCI Mail
Compuserve and MCI Mall become first formally sanctioned email carriers connected to the internet.
1991 Lotus Notes
Ray Ozzie and Mitch Kapor release major version of Lotus Notes (2.0)
1992 Microsoft Outook
Microsoft releases its answer to Lotus Notes. MS Outlook
1993 America Online (AOL)
AOL offers an easily accessible internet based email system
1995 EchoMail Launched
EchoMail, the first integrated Email Management system to help businesses handle increasing
volumes of inbound EMAIL AT&T first customer.
1996 HoTMaiL
Sabeer Bhatia and Jack Smith launch HoTMail, soon becomes most used internet based email
system
1997 Yahoo
Yahoo Mail offered as an alternative to HoTMaiL. It too provides webbased access through a
browser.
1999 Blackberry
Blackberry makes accessing email via mobile phones more accessible. Mobile email is the new
buzzword.
2003 CANSPAM
President George W. Bush signs into law penalties for unsolicited email.
2005 Email Address Verification
SPF released to validate email addresses to control SPAM. SPF release spawns other validation
systems.
2007 Email at Google
Google launches Gmail on April Fool’s Day, after a prolonged four year Beta.
2009 iPhone 3G
iPhone and other mobile devices make email even more accessible.
2011 Email to Email
Associated Press Stylebook declares the use of email without hyphen “”, as the standard
unaware of U.S. Copyright for “email”.
2012 Smithsonian Honors Email
Papers, computer code, and artifacts documenting the invention of email by VA Shiva Ayyadurai are
accepted into the permanent archives of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
2013 Innovation Corps Launched
VA Shiva Ayyadurai and Dr. Leslie P. Michelson launch Innovation Corps to foster innovation for youth
across the globe, in inner cities and villages, so more innovatiors such as email are possible.
Baba Kalyani has been renominated as the CoChairman of the IndiaJapan Business Leader’s
Forum (IJBLF). The Ministry of Commerce and Industry appointed Kalyani as chairman of IJBLF.
Kalyani is Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd.
The members of IJBLF are accompanying PM Narendra Modi on his maiden visit to Japan.
IJBLF is a forum to leverage the trade and investment between the two nations for greater co
operation between their businesses. At present, the forum has 15 members that include Reliance
Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Bharti Enterprises head Sunil Bharti Mittal, HDFC Chairman
Deepak Parekh, Infosys S. Gopalakrishnan, TCS CEO N. Chandrasekaran and Godrej Group
Chairman Adi Godrej. The forum continues to strengthen the business processes and discover newer
opportunities for both nations.
Pakistan Government has appointed its Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif as
mediator to neutralize the ongoing political crisis in the country. The decision to seek COAS’ help was
taken after both Imran Khan, chief of Pakistan TehreekiInsaf (PTI) and TahirulQadri, the chief of
Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) refused to end their protests demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
to resign.
Background:
The current political turbulence in Pakistan was caused after the former additional secretary Election
Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Afzal Khan claimed that the general election in which Nawaz Sharif
registered an overwhelming victory was rigged. The country is in turmoil owing to political impasse for
two weeks. Antigovernment protests have gripped the capital Islamabad.
Earlier, Pakistan’s military had chosen not to intervene in the political crisis. But now, with the direct
involvement of the General, there are apprehensions that military could use this opportunity to
exercise its influence over a democraticallyelected civilian government.
Oscar organizers declared that they will give a esteemed humanitarian award to US actorproducer
singer Harry Belafonte, whose efforts as an activist has assisted throw light on racism and
discrimination. It will be presented at the body’s 6th annual Governors Awards on November 8, 2014
in Hollywood. He wasdnicknamed the “King of Calypso” for popularizing the Caribbean musical style
in the 1950s.
Belafonte, (87) spent much of his life campaigning for numerous causes such as education, famine
relief, children, AIDS awareness and civil rights. His films such as “Carmen Jones,” “Odds against
Tomorrow” and “The World, the Flesh and the Devil” aided portray the injustices of racism and
discrimination.
He was a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and marched besides Martin Luther King, Jr in his
prime. In 1987, he was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
J&K Legislative Council passed a resolution urging the government to resume the talks with
Pakistan. Chairman of the Council Amrit Malhotra moved the resolution on behalf of the house. The
resolution also suggested state government to take steps for the relief and rehabilitation.
The resolution may stir controversy as the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir clearly says that
Foreign Affairs are not under the purview of the state government.
Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) has become the first Indian to become the
ambassador of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
Interpol has signed SRK as the ambassador for its global “Turn Back Crime” campaign. The
campaign will spread awareness in preventing crime in the society. SRK will lend his voice for the
campaign to disseminate the message that society will benefit if the citizens will respect the law and
fight against the crime.
SRK joined the club of actors who have been the ambassador for the campaign. These include
Hollywood actor Jackie Chan, footballer Lionel Messi, F1 racing drivers Fernando Alonso and Kimi
Raikkonen.
“Turn Back Crime”
Turn Back Crime is a global campaign that highlights the dangers of organized crime and its effect on
our daytoday lives. Using a variety of media channels – including video, website and social
networks – the campaign provides advice on how to stay safe and encourages the general
public, businesses and governments to play a role in reducing the impact of crime. While many
people are aware that criminal networks are behind the illicit trafficking of drugs, firearms, and even
persons, they are often unaware of these networks’ ties to other, seemingly unrelated offenses such
as the counterfeiting of commercial goods, cybercrime, fraud, child exploitation, and corruption in
sport.
Organized crime affects every one of us, it affects the global economy as well as puts even
individuals at risk. Their health is endangered by poor quality counterfeit products; their financial
safety is compromised by attempts to steal their personal data; and children face threats such as
online grooming and abuse.
American space agency NASA has planned to launch Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite
in November 2014. It is part of the first tier of missions recommended for NASA by the Earth Science
Decadal Survey.
Utility of SMAP
The satellite will gather the local data of agricultural and water managers that are needed worldwide.
SMAP uses two microwave instruments to monitor the top 2 inches of soil on Earth’s surface. In sync,
these instruments will generate soil moisture estimates with a resolution of about 9 kilometers,
mapping the entire globe every 23 days.
SMAP surface measurements will be combined with hydrologic models to conclude soil moisture
situations in the root zone. These measurements will allow science applications users to:
Comprehend processes that link the terrestrial water, energy, and carbon cycles.
Evaluate global water and energy fluxes at the land surface.
Compute net carbon flux in boreal landscapes.
Improve weather and climate forecast skill.
Develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring competence
16year old Max Verstappen is set to create history by becoming the youngest ever Formula One
(F1) driver next season after Toro Rosso announced that the youngster will replace JeanÉric
Vergne. Verstappen is a Dutch and is son of the former F1 driver Jos. He has been racing this
season in the European F3 Championship, having graduated from karts in 2013. He joined Red Bull’s
junior programme in August 2014 but was confirmed to replace Vergne for next season.
To date, the Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari, who made his debut, at the age of 19, with the same Red
Bullowned team in 2009 is the youngest driver in the history of the sport.
Globally acclaimed yoga exponent B.K.S. Iyengar (95) passed away in Pune.
Born in Karnataka’s Kolar district in 1918 and enervated by maladies since his childhood, he codified
Patanjali’s yoga sutras in an ingeniously dynamic yoga style which came to be known as Iyengar
Yoga which attracted millions of followers in more than 70 countries. He expounded its principles
in Light on Yoga (1966), which has since been regarded as the bible of yoga. The book has
been translated into 19 languages and has sold more than 3 million copies.
His knowledge was open for access to all irrespective of class, caste and religion. Mr. Iyengar, who
was honored with the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, exposed yoga to the West,
teaching such famous personalities like violin maestro Yehudi Menuhin and author Aldous Huxley.
India has opposed a recent ruling passed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in a case related
to imposition of penal duties by the US on steel exports by Indian companies. India has filed an
appeal against the ruling. Though the report of the dispute panel favoured India in its stance that the
US’ determination of Countervailing Duties (CVD)—a levy to neutralize Government subsidies —
on high grade iron ore violated WTO norms but the international body rejected a number of
objections raised by India on specific technical issues related to how penal duties are to be
estimated.
In its appeal India has asked for revisiting the panel’s decision to reject the objections it has related
with the US method of calculating countervailing duties. It is worth mentioning that the US have been
imposing CVD ranging from 18% to 500% on carbon steel from India for more than a decade. The
high duties have badly impacted Indian steel companies such as Tata and Jindal reducing Indian
exports of the product to almost zero.
The US imposes the CVD on the ground that iron ore sourced by Indian steelmakers from public
sector NMDC is supplied at subsidised rate because it is governmentowned. India rejects this claim
and argues that NMDC always sells at the prevailing market prices which are determined by their
exports to Japan and South Korea.
The WTO also ruled in India’s favour in the way it decided to define a ‘public body’. However, the
WTO rejected a number of Indian challenges which included challenges to over 300 instances of the
use of ‘facts available’ and challenges to the US’ benchmark calculations and inclusion of new
subsidy programmes in CVD review proceedings.
CVD are imposed on goods to counter export subsidies and prevent dumping and as per the 1964
Marrakesh Agreement. US imposed CVD on India’s exports of hot rolled carbon steel flat products
involving steelmakers like Tata, Jindal and Essar who are supplied ore by the staterun ironore
mining firm, NMDC. In the meantime, the government is also conducting an evaluation all other
products of Indian origin on which the US has exercised the same provision to calculate CVD.
As per an annual ranking of global educational institutions released by the Academic Ranking of
World Universities (ARWU), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is the only Indian institution to
secure a spot in the top 500. The top positions are dominated by American universities with four
US universities standing at the top four spots.
IISc based in Bangalore, founded as a ‘Research Institute’ by Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, in 1909, has
been placed in the world rank category of 301400 by ARWU.
As per ARWU, World’s Top 5 Universities are:
1. Harvard University (US)
2. Stanford University (US)
3. Massachusetts University (US)
4. University of CaliforniaBerkeley (US)
5. University of Cambridge (UK)
Evaluation Criteria:
For ranking of universities, ARWU takes into account several indicators of academic and research
performance, including alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals. It also factors in
highlycited researchers, papers published in Nature and Science, papers indexed in major citation
indices and the per capita academic performance of an institution.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved the use of drug ZMapp to combat Ebola
spread as the death count surged.
The WHO decision comes after a US firm Mapp Biopharmaceutical supplied ZMapp to treat two US
health workers who contracted the Ebola virus while treating Ebola affected patients in Liberia. The
drug has shown some positive effects in saving the lives of Ebolainfected people.
The WHO has decided that the experimental drugs should be used with all transparency
including aspects of care, freedom of choice, confidentiality, respect for the person and preservation
of dignity. Doctors would not administer ZMapp without consent of the patients.
ZMapp
The current outbreak of Ebola is seen as the most terrible since the discovery of Ebola Virus. At
present, there is no cure for Ebola. Recently, Mapp Biopharmaceutical offered the drug ZMapp to
two US doctors who got affected with the Ebola disease.
The drug uses a novel method of passive immunization to treat Ebola disease by inserting genetically
altered Ebola protein into tobacco leaves. However, it has been tested only on monkeys so far and it
was to be tested on human volunteers in 2015. The abrupt outbreak of Ebola hastened the
development.
South African Government’s Ministry of Environment has announced its plan to evacuate hundreds of
rhinos from country’s famous Kruger National Park to save them from poachers. The step is part of
a plan to curb illegal hunts for rhino horn. The number of rhinos to be relocated can be up to
500. South Africa is home to more than 80% of Africa’s rhinos. Illegal poaching has surged from 13 in
2007 to 1,004 in 2013.
The Kruger National Park, which is of a similar size to Wales or Israel, is thought to be home to as
few as 8,400 white rhinos. Although international trade in rhino horn has been made illegal since
1977, demand remains high in some Asian nations, where it is used both in traditional medicine and
as a symbol of wealth.
The International Mathematical Union (IMU) awarded mathematicians of Indianand Iranianorigin
with the 2014 Fields Medal, also considered as the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics“.
Persons of India Origin (PIOs) Manjul Bhargava bagged the Fields Medal 2014 while Subhash
Khot won the Rolf Nevanlinna Prize conferred by the IMU at International Congress of
Mathematicians 2014 held in Seoul, South Korea.
Manjul Bhargava
He is an Indian CanadianAmerican mathematician. He is a Professor of Mathematics at Princeton
University and is known primarily for his contributions to number theory.
Notable Contribution: He has been awarded the Fields Medal for “developing powerful new
methods in the geometry of numbers, which he applied to count rings of small rank and to
bound the average rank of elliptic curves.” His work is based both on a profound understanding
of the representations of arithmetic groups and a unique mix of algebraic and analytic expertise.
Awards and Honors:
Bhargava was awarded with the Merten Hasse Prize of the Mathematical Association of America
(2003), the SASTRA Ramanujan Prize (2005), the Cole Prize in Number Theory of the American
Mathematical Society (2008) and the Infosys Prize (2012). He was elected to the US National
Academy of Sciences in 2013.
The Rolf Nevanlinna Prize:
The prize is awarded once every 4 years at the International Congress of Mathematicians in
recognition to the outstanding contributions in Mathematical Aspects of Information Sciences
including all mathematical aspects of computer science, including complexity theory, logic of
programming languages, analysis of algorithms, cryptography, computer vision, pattern recognition,
information processing and modelling of intelligence as well as scientific computing and numerical
analysis.
The names of four outstanding mathematicians for the Fields Medal, the most prestigious award in
mathematics, have been announced.
The Fields Medal is given by the International Mathematical Union to between two and four
mathematicians under the age of 40 at the International Congress of Mathematicians, held once
every four years. The award intends to recognize outstanding mathematical achievement for existing
work and for the promise of future achievement.
The four 2014 Fields Medalists:
1. Artur Avila: For his most noteworthy research is in the study of chaos theory and dynamical
systems.
2. Manjul Bhargava: For his contribution to number theory and algebra.
3. Martin Hairer: For his researches on stochastic partial differential equations.
4. Maryam Mirzakhani: For her work on the geometry of Riemann surfaces.
Oscarwinning actor Robin McLaurin Williams (63) passed away. Williams was an American
actor, standup comedian, film producer, and screenwriter. He became famous with his role as the
alien Mork in the TV series Mork & Mindy (1978–82). He went on to become a famed actor in both
standup comedy and feature film.
His acting was lauded in films such as Good Will Hunting (1997), Aladdin (1992), Jumanji (1995),
Night at the Museum (2006), and Happy Feet (2006).
Awards and Honors:
He was nominated thrice for the Academy Award for Best Actor and won the Academy Award for Best
Supporting Actor for his performance in Good Will Hunting. He also received four Golden Globe
Awards, two Emmy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and five Grammy Awards.
President of Iraq Mr. Fuad Masum has nominated Dr Haider AlAbadi for the role of country’s
Prime Minister.
Masum is an Iraqi politician and spokesman for the Islamic Dawa Party. He was appointed Minister of
Communications in the Iraqi Governing Council in September 2003. A Shia Muslim and electronic
consultant engineer with a PhD degree from the University of Manchester, UK in 1980. AlAbadi lived
in exile in London during the reign of Saddam Hussein.
While incumbent Nouri alMaliki seemed to hold power, the change of PM comes after the country
elected Faud Masum as its new president in July, 2014. However, for the nomination to take effect,
AlAbadi must form a government and be confirmed by Parliament, within 30 days.
Responding to the pressure coming from India and other nations, Switzerland has introduced key
changes in its local laws pertaining to assistance to foreign countries in their pursuit of
black money allegedly amassed in Swiss banks.
These amendments would allow India and other nations to make ‘group requests’ for information
about suspected black money stashers, while Swiss authorities would not give prior intimation to
suspected individuals or entities before exchanging their information. However, the burden would be
on India (or any other country making request) to prove that any prior intimation to the account
holders before information sharing would defeat the “purpose of the administrative assistance” and
the success of investigation would be impacted.
In one of the main bottlenecks to effective and timely sharing of information with foreign authorities
about suspected illegal account holders, the Swiss laws provide that the person concerned would be
prior intimated of any such international assistance and he or she is also given an opportunity to
appeal against this move and examine the files before being shared to the requesting country.
Although Switzerland has decided to hang on to these clauses in its amended Federal Act on
International Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, it has now introduced at least 10 amendments
in this Act to moderate its famed banking secrecy policies to improve its informationsharing
framework. However, the new Act clearly stipulates that the Swiss authorities would not consider a
request if “it constitutes a fishing expedition” or “if it violates the principle of good faith,
particularly if it is based on information obtained through a criminal offence under Swiss
law.”
][This would impede India’s endeavors to seek information on the socalled HSBC list, which
Switzerland alleges that Indian and other foreign authorities got into their hands after a former bank
employee stole data about customers.
As per a study conducted by anthropologists, the practice of aboriginal Martu people of Australia
which involves setting small grass fires to catch lizards has actually enhanced kangaroo
populations. The Martu people have been following this practice for at least 2000 years to expose
burrows dug by 2footlong sand monitor lizards, which they then drag from the holes, cook and eat.
The fires set by these people average about 10 acres. A researcher found such humanmade
disruption boosts kangaroo populations – showing how coevolution helped marsupials and made
Aborigines into unintentional conservationists.
It has been found that the same land becomes the breeding ground for different types of vegetation,
aiding kangaroos. For instance, the marsupials hide from predators such as dingoes in older bush
grass and consume shoots and fruits in areas of younger vegetation.
The findings, published online today in the journal Human Ecology, suggest that Australia might want
to encourage smallscale burning to bolster wildlife populations in certain areas. The study
concludes: “To be successful, management schemes should facilitate traditional burning and hunting
regimes in remote communities, and incorporate this traditional ecological practice into future
management protocols.”
NASA has announced that it will launch a new mission to Mars in 2020 named as Mars 2020 Rover
mission. The mission will endeavor to find out the potential habitability of the Mars environment, and
directly search for signs of prehistoric Martian life. This attempt if successful will facilitate future
manned missions.
The Mars 2020 rover mission is likely to be launched somewhere in July or August 2020, which will
make landing on the red planet after an eight to nine month journey in 2021. The mission will be
designed and managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The mission rover will be based on the design of the successful rover, Curiosity that is functioning
since it landed on the Mars in August 2012 and is a part of the NASA’s Mars Exploration Program.
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) spacecraft ‘Rosetta’ became the first spacecraft to
intercept and go into orbit around a comet. It is now in position to help researchers to begin
with their investigations into how the Solar System came into being.
ESA scientists brought Rosetta to within 100km of the comet – a 3km by 5km rock called 67P
ChuryumovGerasimenko – and put it in a stable orbit by reducing its speed with its thrusters. To
reach that point so far from the earth the spacecraft took around 10 years. Comets are considered to
be primitive building blocks of the Solar System, and relics of the formation of the planets. It also
believed that they provided Earth with both water and other essential ingredients which were
necessary for triggering the evolution of life.
Rosetta and 67P67P was first discovered in 1969 by Soviet astronomers Ivanovych
Churyumov and Svetlana Ivanova Gerasimenko.
Scientists hope that Rosetta will unravel the secrets of this early history. The spacecraft has been
named after the Rosetta Stone, the discovery of which in 1799 provided the key to translating
Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and Demotic script into Ancient Greek (and thus any other language).
It blasted off from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, in March 2004, for a long journey
involving loops around the Sun as it aimed to get onto the same orbit as 67P.
Rosetta has traversed over 6bn km, passing by Earth three times, Mars once, and flew by two
asteroids, using the gravitational pull of those bodies to change velocity and catch up with 67P.
The mission has some resemblance with Japan’s 2005 Hayabusa mission, which landed on an
asteroid named Itokawa. Its task was to lift out material from the asteroid’s surface, and return it to
Earth for study – those samples arrived in 2010, but its capture mechanism malfunctioned. It is still
uncertain if the capsule could successfully collect the asteroid rock fragments.
As per Hold Security – a US firm with expertise in spotting breaches, a Russian group of hackers
dubbed ‘CyberVor’ has stolen 1.2 billion usernames and passwords belonging to more than 500
million email addresses.
It claimed the hacked information belongs to over 420,000 websites, including many leaders in
virtually all companies across the globe. It revealed that the hackers targeted every site that their
victims visited. However the firm has not disclosed the names of those companies the accounts of
which have been compromised.
Surprisingly, it has posted a message on its site saying it will charge $120 (£71) a month for a breach
notification service. As claimed by Hold Security, the hackers also got access to data from “Botnets”
– a network of computers infected with malware, to set off online scam and helped the
hacking group identify more than 400,000 websites that were susceptible to cyber attacks.
The emergency committee of the World Health Organization has unanimously agreed to proclaim
the Ebola virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
As per the UN body, the possible outcomes of further international spread are particularly serious in
view of the mortality rate linked with the disease, the intensive community and health facility
transmission patterns, and the fragile health systems in the currently affected and most atrisk
countries.
As per WHO, the current Ebola outbreak began in Guinea in December 2013 and has since
spread to Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. As of August 4, 2014, 1,711 cases of the infection
have been reported and over 1,000 of which have been confirmed, and 932 deaths due to the virus
have occurred.
The WHO also released a list of recommendations for governments in affected nations. Among other
things, the organization suggested temporary bans on “mass gatherings” and exit screenings at
airports to examine people leaving countries hit by the virus.
China’s capital city Beijing which is battling with severe air pollution, particularly smog, has
announced plans to ban the use of coal by the end of year 2020. Beijing drew nearly 25% of its
energy consumption by using coal in 2012 and 22% of the fine particles floating in the capital’s air
were also the result of coal use. Besides coal, emissions from motor vehicles, industrial production
and general dust also contributed to pollution in the city. Even with the Beijing ban, coal use is likely to
increase in China.
Coalfired power and heating is a major contributor of greenhouse gases and has played a major role
in turning China into the world’s largest emitter of carbon and other greenhouse
gases. Pressure is mounting on China’s central government to clean up the country’s polluted
environment, as dissatisfaction over smog and water and soil contamination surges among China’s
growing middle class.
Recently, the central government listed environmental protection as one of the top criteria by which
leaders will be judged. In September 2013, the government announced a ban on new coalfired
power plants around Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
The Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa has emerged as a new medical challenge and poses a
serious threat to the rest of the African region and the world at large. Researchers are still trying to
ascertain the causes, key factors involved, and are also trying to forecast the future eruption and
movement of the virus.
The outbreak of the Ebola triggered with Ebola cases that turned up in Guinea, and subsequently
spread to the neighbouring countries of Liberia and Sierra Leone. This is particularly surprising as
until now, none of these three West African countries had ever experienced an Ebola outbreak, let
alone cases of a type of Ebola virus that had been detected only in distant Central Africa.
But, as per scientists, despite the image of Ebola as a virus that furtively and randomly emerges from
the forest, the sites of the cases are far from random. Scientists are of the view that the outbreak has
a connection with the travel patterns of bats across Africa and current weather patterns in the region,
as well as other factors.
Researchers have narrowed down to five potential reasons why this outbreak is so severe:
1. Involvement of deadliest type of Ebola virus: The Ebola virus has 5 species, and each species
has caused outbreaks in different regions. Surprisingly, instead of the Taï Forest Ebola virus,
which is found near Guinea, it was the Zaire Ebola virus that is involved in the current outbreak.
This virus was previously found only in three countries in Central Africa: the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo and Gabon. Zaire Ebola virus is
the deadliest type of Ebola virus — in previous outbreaks it showed a fatality rate of up to 90%
which means it kills 90 out of 100 people it infects. Scientists suspect bats to be the carrier of the
virus that migrated from Zaire to Guinea. It is also possible that the virus was actually in West
Africa before the current eruption, circulating in bats — and possibly even infected people but so
infrequently that it was never reported. Some preliminary investigation of blood samples gathered
from patients with other diseases before the outbreak indicates people in this region were
exposed to Ebola previously but the finding still needs more research.
2. Poorest countries getting affected: Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the world, which
has been ranked as low as 178 out of 187 nations on the United Nations’ Human Development
Index (HDI). Likewise, Liberia and Sierra Leone stand at 174th and 177th on the HDI respectively.
Because of prevalent poverty, they are inadequately equipped to counter an outbreak and lack
coordination to monitor people’s movements across regions.
3. Lack of good health care systems: A poor economy translates into weak health care systems
that are not ready to respond to an outbreak and lack even basic health resources. The hospitals
in the region do not have even basic medical needs like protective gloves, masks, clean needles
and disinfectants.
4. Poverty forcing people to move towards forests: Normally the animals carrying or infected
with the Ebola virus or other pathogens are not usually in the vicinity of humans, but rather deep in
the forests with little possibility of coming into contact with people. However, poverty is pushing the
people deeper into forest territories to search for resources.
5. Extremely dry season may have been the trigger: The first case of Ebola was reported in
Guinea in December 2013, at the start of the dry season. In other countries, too, outbreaks often
occur during the transition from the rainy to dry seasons, when conditions become drier sharply. It
is likely that drier conditions one way or another affect the number or proportion of bats infected
with the Ebola virus, or the frequency of human contact with them.
The US space agency NASA has decided to put MOXIE – Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment as one of
the payloads on the Mars 2020 rover mission. MOXIE will produce oxygen on MARS using the
Martian atmospheric Carbon Dioxide (CO2). NASA will launch the Mars 2020 rover mission in July
or August 2020. The conversion of CO2 into Oxygen will be beneficial for human respiration. The
oxygen can be used as an oxidizer for rocket fuel for return mission. If this experiment is successful it
will make future manned missions easier.
MOXIE is among the seven selected instruments that will be sent on Mars mission with a view to
determine the potential habitability of the Mars environment, and directly search for signs of early
Martian life.
With a view to exercise stern regulation on GM Crops, China’s Ministry of Agriculture has decided to
regulate the sales and growth of Genetically Modified (GM) crops in the country. As per the Ministry
of Agriculture, any firm or individual found transgressing regulations to grow or sell GM crops will be
punished strictly.
The decision comes close on the heels of a media publicizing the sale of GM rice at a supermarket in
Central China, which is prohibited in the country. The objective behind this measure is to prevent
illegal distribution of GM crops in the country.
China has authorized imports of GM soybeans and corns and certified the growth of various GM
crops including cotton, tomatoes, papayas and peppers. However, it has not allowed commercial
production or sale of GM crops.
Though, the ministry has given nod to experimental planting of two strains of insectresistant GM rice
in 2009, but the safety certificates for this experiment expire this year and commercial production is
yet take off. Grant of safety certificates on GM crops doesn’t mean autonomy of commercial
production.
China faces the challenge of providing adequate food to its billions of people. Its population is
continuously on the rise and its available land is gradually reducing leading to flat yield in the past
decade. Such longterm food security trends are worrying for the country. China’s decision to open
the doors of commercial production of GM crops can extenuate the worries. But, concerns over after
effects of GM crops persist.
The major reason behind such protective concern is the uncertainty on GM crops’ longterm risks on
environment and humans.
Status of GM crops in India
Indian government has approved commercialization of only one GM crop i.e. Bt Cotton. However,
there are various GM crops that are in pipeline and are under development and field trials. The crops
include brinjal, corn, tomato, rice and groundnut. The success of field trials of GM crops will pave
the way for commercialization of GM crops in the country.
However, Indian government is still in quandary over the issue of commercialization of GM
crops. Major concerns related to this are:
GM is a costintensive technology, which is not suitable for small farmers in India.
There is a dearth of sufficient infrastructure and tools required for testing of GM crops in India
India has a weak regulatory framework of GM crops.
Parupalli Kashyap created history as he clinched Gold in the men’s singles badminton at 20th
Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow, Scotland. With his gold medal, the country earned
a fifthspot finish with 64 medals, including 15 gold. He created history by becoming the first
Indian male shuttler in 32 years to win a gold in the Commonwealth Games. Kashyap put up
brilliant show to register triumph over Derek Wong of Singapore in the final showdown. The shuttler
from Hyderabad thus joined badminton legend Prakash Padukone and the late Syed Modi, who had
won the title in the past. While Padukone had won the men’s singles gold medal at the 1978
Commonwealth Games in Canada, Modi bagged it four years later. Commonwealth Toppers:
1. England
2. Australia
3. Canada
4. Scotland
5. India
The XXI Commonwealth Games will be held in Gold Coast City, Queensland, Australia between 4
to 15 April 2018. The Gold Coast’s creative concept in the Ceremony brought to life the three brand
pillars of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games – ‘The Place’, ‘The Event’ and ‘The Sport’.
The ongoing IsraelGaza conflict has taken a toll on ancient Omari Mosque in Jabaliya. The Israeli
attack has completely destroyed the mosque on August 2, 2014 during Operation Protective Edge,
part of the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict.
The Omari Mosque is the part of rich cultural heritage of Gaza and was built in 700 AD. It is also
known as the Great Mosque of Gaza is the largest and oldest mosque in the Gaza Strip, located in
Gaza’s old city. It is believed that the mosque stands on the site of an old Philistine temple and the
th
Byzantines used the site to build a church in the fifth century, but after the Muslim conquest in the 7th
century, it was transformed into a mosque.
British parliament’s House of Commons has agreed to hold a special debate on the state of human
rights in Kashmir.
British MP David Ward informed the backbench business committee that “ongoing Kashmir dispute
a threat to regional and global peace” and that the new Indian government has been “quite
aggressive in terms of its stance towards Kashmir” which was “opening up a whole new area of
uncertainty”.
Ward also informed that he had the support of 40 MPs who would like Westminster to hold a debate
on the human rights violations in Kashmir.
Though a formal date for the debate has not been decided as yet, Britain’s decision to agree for a
debate on Kashmir hasn’t been well received by Friends of India and Southeast Asian thinktanks.
They said “Why should Kashmir be discussed in the parliament when Britain has always been of the
view that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan?”
Ward informed that “Kashmir has been a constant source of misery over many years to many people.
In the region of 500,000 to 600,000 Indian Army troops are in the area on a permanent basis. It is an
area of tension and some 500,000 people have died there in the past 60 or so years”.
Ward who represents Bradford East in the British parliament also cited what he called the
“uncertainty about article 370”.
Ward expressed concerns that the members of the new India government are talking about the
abrogation of Article 370 which grants special status to Jammu & Kashmir. He sought a debate on a
motion from a petition that has been signed by 40 MPs, 10 MEPs and also 50,000 members of the
public.
The petition says that “the ongoing Kashmir dispute is a threat to regional and global peace; further
that the dispute is causing insecurity, instability and human rights violations; and further that the state
of Jammu & Kashmir should be given the right to selfdetermination”.
Researchers have found substantial evidence to explain why the Sun’s outer atmosphere is much
hotter than its surface.
As per scientists, ‘Nanoflares’ – a continuous infusion of impulsive bursts of heating, none of which
can be individually detected – is behind the production of the extra heat.
The photosphere, the visible surface of the Sun, is around 6,000 Kelvins, while the corona reaches
temperatures which are 300 times more than the photosphere.
NASA’s EUNIS (Extreme Ultraviolet Normal Incidence Spectrograph) rocket, equipped with a very
sensitive spectrograph gathered information about the Sun about how much material is present at a
given temperature by recording different wavelengths of light.
EUNIS flew up nearly 321 km above the ground aboard a sounding rocket and gathered about
collected observations from above the planet’s air.
It scanned a region on the Sun known to be magnetically complex, also termed active region, which
can often be the source of larger flares and coronal mass ejections.
Several theories have been offered for how the magnetic energy coursing through the corona is
converted into the heat that raises the temperature.
The EUNIS spectrograph was tuned into a range of wavelengths useful for locating material at
temperatures of 10 million Kelvin – temperatures that are a key characteristic of nanoflares.
Scientists have conjectured that infinite number of nanoflares could heat up solar material in the
atmosphere to temperatures of up to 10 million Kelvins. This material would cool very rapidly,
producing ample solar material at the 1 to 3 million degrees regularly seen in the corona. However,
the faint presence of that extremely hot material should remain.
The EUNIS team studied the data from the rocket and found a wavelength of light indicating
presence of 10 million degree material.
Enhancing the reach of its firepower, China’s has unveiled the sophisticated InterContinental
Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which has a range of 12,000 kms, placing it among the world’s longest
range missiles.
The existence of a new generation of Chinese ICBM, the Dongfeng41 (DF41) missile, was
indirectly revealed by a Chinese Government environmental monitoring file. It is widely speculated
that the DF41 missiles will be capable of carrying three nuclear warheads. The next generation
missile is also likely to have better mobility as the launchers can cross more complicated terrain, and
have better survivability in the event of a first strike. It would also have stronger penetration abilities
and faster response times.
NASA recently revealed its plan for a comprehensive Mars mission in 2020. It will send a rover to the
Red Planet for conducting an unprecedented detailed study of the planet. The mission will carry
seven key payloads including SHERLOCScanning Habitable Environments with Raman &
Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals.
SHERLOCis a spectrometer that will carry out finescale imaging and will use an ultraviolet (UV) laser
to determine finescale mineralogy and detect organic compounds. It will conduct complementary
measurements with other instruments. It is the first UV Raman spectrometer that will land on the
surface of Mars.
Mars 2020 rover mission will attempt to determine the potential habitability of the Mars environment,
and directly search for signs of ancient Martian life.
NASA released a list mentioning payloads to be sent on the new Mars Rover 2020 mission by the
end of year 2020.
The Mars 2020 rover’s framework will be based on the design of the Curiosity rover currently
operational on Mars, but with a significant upgrade in hardware.
NASA plans to install seven payloads onto the rover. The mission’s goal is to find out how life can be
sustained by using what is available in the Martian environment to prepare for future manned
missions on the red planet. The most important is how oxygen can be generated for respiration and
as oxidizers for rocket fuel.
The rover will perform geological and atmospheric survey that is expected to enhance our
understanding of both the present and the past of Mar’s geological landscape. The rover is also
designed to store rock and soil samples for future retrieval by a manned mission.
The Seven Payloads are:
1. MastcamZ : From Arizona State University, it is an advanced camera system with panaromic
view, zoom and stereoscopic vision. The cameras are based on Curiosity’s current equipment, but
with upgraded technology. The zoom in particular is expected to be useful for target selection and
rover navigation. These cameras will function as main eyes of the rover.
2. SuperCam: From France, it is an imaging sensor that will analyze chemical compounds and
minerals. It has a laser to determine the elemental composition of any compound from 20 feet
distance.
1. MEDA or Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer: From Spain, it is a pack of sensors to
measure atmospheric conditions. The sensors will measure temperature, wind speed, pressure,
relative humidity and dust size and shape. It will also measure solar radiation cycles.
1. RIMFAX or Radar Imager for Mars’ Subsurface Exploration: From Norway, it is a radar system
that will plow into the ground and provide subsurface structure data.
2. PIXL or Planetary Instrument for Xray Lithochemistry: From NASA, it is an Xray fluorescence
spectrometer and hires imager for determining elemental composition of the surface of Mars.
3. MOXIE or The Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment : From Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it
is an experiment with an objective to produce oxygen from Martian carbon dioxide. The Martian
atmosphere comprises about 96% carbon dioxide, and the MOXIE device can turn it into pure
oxygen and carbon monoxide. Data from this experiment will help researchers design instruments
capable of generating oxygen on Mars.
1. SHERLOC or Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics
and Chemicals: From NASA, it is a spectrometer equipped with a UV laser for finding organic
compounds and other minerals. This is the first time a Raman spectrometer will be sent to the
Martian surface.
Robert Frederick Panara (94), the pioneer of deaf studies passed away in Rochester, US. Robert
was an author, a poet, a professor who later went on to become the first deaf teacher within the
mainstream Higher Education in the US. He helped translate Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Hamlet and
Othello into sign language. His wife Shirley Fischer was also deaf. Both used sign language to
communicate.
Panars’s key contributions and achievements:
In 1965, Panara helped establishing America’s first Technical college for the deaf, National Technical
Institute for Deaf (NTID). NTID was set up by an act of US Congress and is a part of the Rochester
Institute of Technology. He also helped in the foundation of the Connecticutbased National Theatre
of the Deaf. In 1948, Panara became the first deaf person to get a Master’s degree in English from
New York University.
The Punjab Government has agreed to the Ghana Government’s proposal offering land to Punjab
farmers. As per the proposal, the government of Ghana would provide fertile farmland on a longterm
lease to Punjab farmers for farm activities. Ghana has made this proposal to promote agriculture
as a tool of progress in Ghana and if possible then by Punjab’s expertise in farming.
Punjab Government has assured Ghana that a highlevel delegation of officers as well as an expert
from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, would be sent to Ghana to study the
suitability of the entire project.
Ghana also offered Punjab to export finished goods to Ghana. It has invited Punjabi entrepreneurs to
visit Ghana to start manufacturing facilities in the country and take advantage of Ghana’s natural
resources like various minerals, timber, oil, cocoa, palm oil fish and cotton.
As per a scientific study, Bumblebees select most nutritious flowers for providing best food for their
young simply by looking at the colour of the petals even before landing on the flower. As bees do
not ingest pollen unlike nectar while foraging on flowers, it has been unclear whether they are able to
form associative relationships between what a flower looks like and the quality of its pollen. The
study used bumblebee foragers housed under controlled conditions to test whether they do learn
about flowers during pollen collection.
The findings showed that bumblebees can individually evaluate pollen samples and
differentiate between them during collection, quickly forming preferences for a particular
type of pollen. They are able to detect differences in pollen, even before landing, which means they
may be able to discriminate, just from the colour of the petals, which flowers are richer in nutritious
content.
The average life expectancy of Japanese women increased to 86.61 years in 2013, up from 86.41
the previous year, making them the world’s longestlived females for the second consecutive year.
Japanese men’s lifespan rose above 80 for the first time in 2013.
A Japanese infant born in 2013 can be expected to live 80.21 years, up from 79.94 years in
2012. Women in Hong Kong held the second spot on the longevity list, whose life expectancy rose to
86.57 in 2013. Japanese men positioned 4th fourth on the longevity list of the world’s 50 major
countries and regions behind Hong Kong, Iceland and Switzerland. Hong Kong’s average male
life expectancy was 80.87. However, Japan’s ageing population is a serious issue for policymakers
who have to find solutions to ensure that the declining pool of workers can pay for the increasing
number of pensioners.
Japan’s population contracted for the third consecutive year, with the aged comprising around 1/4th of
the total population for the first time. The proportion of people aged 65 or over is estimated to reach
nearly 40% of the population in 2060.
European Space Agency (ESA) satellite ‘Gaia’, the billion star surveyor, launched in 2013, has
reached its intended location 1.5 million kilometers from Earth and is ready to start operation.
Gaia’s work will include:
Surveying a billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy to develop the most precise 3D map ever.
To track thousands of exoplanets, comets, asteroids, failed stars, exploding stars and even
quasars.
Scanning each of the billion stars for an average of 70 times each over five years which means 40
million observations per day.
Measuring key physical properties of each star, including its brightness, temperature and chemical
composition.
By the end of its fiveyear mission, Gaia would have gathered 1 Petabyte (1 million Gigabytes).
President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma proclaimed a public health emergency in Sierra Leone
to control the deadly Ebola outbreak. Ebola has so far caused death of around 233 in Sierra Leone.
According to the UN data, 729 people in West Africa have died of Ebola since February 2014. The
spread of the virus is now the largest recorded in world history, and has infected three African
capitals of Monrovia (Liberia), Freetown (Sierra Leone) and Conakry (Guinea) with international
airports. The head of the WHO and leaders of West African countries affected by the Ebola outbreak
decided to announce a new $100million response plan.
The seriousness of the Ebola and the continuous threat it poses, required WHO and Guinea, Liberia
and Sierra Leone to take up the response plan. The plan will necessitate increased resources, in
country medical expertise, regional preparedness and coordination.
About deadly Ebola virus (EBOV)
Order: Mononegavirales.
Family: Filoviridae.
Genus: Ebolavirus.
Causes an extremely severe disease in humans and in nonhuman primates in the form of viral
hemorrhagic fever.
Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF) is a viral haemorrhagic fever and one of the most virulent
viral diseases known to humankind.
Distinct strains of the Ebola virus: Bundibugyo, Ivory Coast, Reston, Sudan and Zaire
Fruit bats are considered to be virus’ natural host. Transmission to humans can come from wild
animals or from direct contact from infected human blood, feces or sweat, or by sexual contact
and the unprotected handling of contaminated corpses
Signs and symptoms: Severe fever and muscle pain, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea. Then,
organs shut down, causing unstoppable bleeding.
Between two and 21 days after becoming infected, patients begin to feel weak and experience
headaches, muscle aches and chills. They lose their appetite and feel lethargic, suffering from
stomach cramps, diarrhea and nausea. A socalled hemorrhagic fever sets in, accompanied by
severe internal bleeding. This condition affects the gastrointestinal tract, spleen and lungs,
eventually leading to the death.
The virus is called ‘a molecular shark’ in health publications.
According to the World Health Organization, the deadly fever has a fatality rate of up to 90 %.
No cure or vaccine for the virus.
Occurs mostly in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rain forests.
The world’s first malaria vaccine— RTS,S created by pharma company GSK, is expected to hit the
markets by 2015. GSK has submitted a regulatory application to the European Medicines Agency
(EMA) for its malaria vaccine candidate, RTS,S.
Application of RTS,S:
The vaccine will be uses exclusively against the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite, which is
widespread in SubSaharan Africa (SSA). As per estimates, around 90% deaths from malaria occur in
SSA, and 77% of these are in children under the age of 5.
To support the efficacy of the vaccine, data from the phase III vaccine trial programme conducted at
13 African research centres in eight African countries (Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi,
Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tanzania) including over 16,000 infants and young children have also
been included to the filing. A largescale Phase III trial showed that over 18 months of followup,
children aged 517 months at first vaccination with RTS,S reported 46% fewer cases of clinical
malaria, compared to children immunised with a placebo.
An average of 941 cases of clinical malaria were prevented over 18 months of followup for every
1,000 children vaccinated in this age group. Malaria hospitalisations came down by 42%.
How RTS,S works?
The vaccine triggers the body’s immune system to protect against the P falciparum malaria parasite
when it first enters the human host’s bloodstream and/or when the parasite infects liver cells. The
vaccine is developed to prevent the parasite from infecting, maturing and multiplying in the liver, after
which time the parasite would reenter the bloodstream and infect red blood cells, leading to disease
symptoms.
GSK has pledged to sell the vaccine at cost price plus 5%, which it said would finance further
research into tropical diseases. Now EMA will evaluate the vaccine as per Article 58 procedure, which
allows the body to assess the quality, safety and efficacy of a candidate vaccine, or medicine,
manufactured in a European Union (EU) member state, for a disease recognised by the World Health
Organisation as of major public health interest, but intended exclusively for use outside the EU.
This assessment is conducted by the EMA in collaboration with the WHO, and necessitates products
to meet the same benchmarks as vaccines or medicines intended for use in the EU. As per WHO, if
the EMA approves the vaccine, a policy recommendation may be possible by end of 2015. A positive
opinion from the EMA would also be the basis for marketing authoritization applications to National
Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) in SSA nations.
The US has taken exception to India’s level of protection provided to Intellectual Property as it
brought the “Special 301 Report” for the year 2014 which classifies India as a “Priority watch list
country”. The reports mentions US concerns based on the information provided by the US industry
on their perception of the level of protection provided by India to Intellectual Property.
Key issues in the report include:
Concerns over the provision of Section 3(d) of the Patent Act which relates to non
patentability of inventions involving chemical forms that do not show increased efficacy
Issue of Compulsory License by the Controller General of Patent, Designs and Trademarks
under section 84 of the Patents Act
Inclusion of a statement relating to Compulsory License for green technologies in India’s National
Manufacturing Policy and challenges relating to enforcement of IP Rights.
Section 3(d) of the Indian Patent Act 1970 (as amended in 2005) prohibits grant of patent to
inventions involving new forms of a known substance unless it differs significantly in properties with
regard to efficacy. Thus preventing evergreening of patents. The US pharma companies are
opposed to this Act.
The “Special 301” process is a unilateral step taken by the US under their Trade Act, 1974 to put
pressure on countries to enhance Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection beyond the TRIPS
pact. It is an extra territorial application of the domestic law of a country and is not reasonable under
the overall WTO regime.
India has a sound legislative, administrative and judicial framework to protect IPRs which meets its
obligations under the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement while making
use of the flexibilities provided in the international regime to address its developmental concerns.
Scientists have warned that increasing levels of water vapour in the upper troposphere – a key
intensifier of global warming – owing to greenhouse gases will amplify climate change impacts
over the next decades.
Scientists at University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science conducted
the first study to confirm that human activities have increased water vapour in the upper
troposphere. To find out the potential causes of a 30year moistening trend in the upper troposphere,
a region 37 miles above the earth’s surface, they measured water vapour in the upper troposphere
collected by NOAA satellites. They showed that rising water vapour in the upper troposphere
cannot be explained by natural forces such as volcanoes and changes in solar activity but
by increased greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases contribute immensely in raising temperatures by trapping the earth’s radiant heat
inside the atmosphere. This warming also increases the buildup of atmospheric water vapour, the
most abundant greenhouse gas. The moistening of the atmosphere traps more radiant heat and
contributes in amplifying greenhouse effect.
The study explains with the help of climate models that as the climate warms from the burning of
fossil fuels, the concentrations of water vapour in the atmosphere will also increase due to that
warming which result into trapping of more heat and further increases the Earth’s temperature.
In a sharp contrast to the 100,000 tigers that once lived in the wild a century ago, the number now
has reduced to just 3,200. This was revealed by a latest report released by the World Wide Fund
(WWF).
WWF has also expressed their willingness to assist the conservation efforts being made by the 13
tigerrange countries – India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam – which in 2010 set the target of
doubling of wild tiger population by 2022.
The report which coincided with the International Tiger Day on July 29 warns that the largest of all the
Asian big cats could go extinct in the wild mainly due to poaching and habitat destruction.
WWF considers ‘poaching’ as the biggest threat to wild tigers since their parts are used for
traditional medicine, folk remedies, and increasingly as a status symbol among some Asian
cultures.
Affairs Today
At the International Gaza Donor Conference in Cairo, India pledged to donate US $ 4 mn in aid to
rebuild Gaza Strip. The Conference is to raise money for rebuilding efforts in Gaza after its latest 50
day war with Israel.
Presentation by Palestinian Authority
The Palestinian Authority presented a 76 page long National Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan
at the Conference. The Palestinians asked for US $ 4 bn, with most of the funds being spent on
reconstruction efforts and building housing for the people, according to its Plan.
Total Donations
The donors raised a total US $ 5.4 bn, with 2.7 bn dedicated to rebuilding efforts. The funds are
expected to reach Palestine within three years.
The largest donor is Qatar with US $ 1 bn. USA has pledged US $ 212 mn for immediate assistance.
EU pledged US $ 568 mn. Regional players, Turkey and UAE, pledged US $ 200 mn each.
Utilization of funds
The funds will be funneled through the Palestinian Authority. Hamas will have no role to play. Most of
the funds are expected to spent under the aegis of various UN bodies. UN already has plans for
approximately US $ 2.1 bn of the funds, with $ 1.6 billion going to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and
Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) and the rest to other UN agencies working
towards different things in Palestine.
India’s prior assistance to Palestine
India has played an active role in the betterment of Palestine and its people and the basis on which a
strong IndoPalestine partnership has been built. India directly provides budgetary, economic and
developmental assistance to Palestine and is active in the areas of capacity development, education
and information technology.
Other than this, India is also a part of multilateral efforts to help Palestinians. A slew of developmental
projects are being implemented under the IBSA (IndiaBrazilSouth Africa) Fund in Palestine. An
important future IBSA project is the reconstruction of the Atta Habib medical centre in Shujiyaa in
Gaza with a cost of US $ 1 mn. Also, India has already been contributing US $ 1 mn annually to the
UNRWA to enable the supply of food and medicines to Gaza.
The World Bank (WB) has launched the GIF to specifically cater to the infrastructure needs of the
emerging economies and developing countries. The GIF will channel money towards bankable
infrastructure project in such countries. GIF also places importance on sustainable development. Its
key focus will be on climate friendly infrastructure investments and projects that will boost trade.
The GIF will collaborate with other international and multilateral agencies which provide loans and
financial assistance to countries across the globe. It will also help these agencies with its expertise in
financing, supervising and implementing projects. Another areas where GIF could provide assistance
it ensuring that all regulatory, environmental and social safeguards are met with while investing in
large scale infrastructure projects. GIF will also work with private entities like asset management
companies, private equity firms, pensions and insurance funds and commercial banks to tap into
multiple sources of funding.
In the World Bank’s latest ‘Migration and Development Brief’, India has remained the top country to
receive inward remittance with a total of $71 bn just this year. This stable inflow of remittances is
important in boosting India’s balance of payments
Future Trends
The report predicts a modest rise of 1.5% in the inwards remittances to India during 2014.
However, remittances to the developing countries are expected to increase by 5% to reach $435 bn
in 2014, driven largely by remittances to Asia and Latin America. Remittances to the South Asia are
expected to improve after a slower growth in 2013.
Global remittances are estimated to increase from $582 bn to $608 bn in 2014
Forced Migration
Though the rise in inward remittances is a positive development, the rise in forced migration has
revealed the troubling circumstances that are prevalent across the world. Forced Migration due to
conflict were at their highest level since World War II, affecting over 51 mn people. An additional 22
mn people have been forced to move due to natural disasters.
Kenyan President Kenyatta has confirmed his appearance at The Hague, Netherlands on October 8
to respond to multiple charges against him at the ICC (International Criminal Court).
Resignation
In an unprecedented move, Kenyatta has invoked a hitherto unused article of the Constitution to
resign temporarily, with the Deputy President, William Ruto, taking his place as Acting President till
the return of Kenyatta. This step has been taken because Mr.Kenyatta has insisted that he will
appear before the ICC in his personal capacity and not as the President of a nation. It is to be noted
that Kenyatta had also appeared at the ICC before he became President in 2013.
Kenyatta will risk an international arrest warrant and international condemnation against him
personally and economic sanctions against Kenya, if he failed to comply with the summons issued by
the ICC.
Charges against Mr.Kenyatta
Kenyatta faces five charges of crimes against humanity, inciting violence and organizing ethnic
massacres that killed 1,200 people. He has denied all the charges that have been brought against
him.
In September, the ICC postponed the trial after prosecutors said the Kenyan government had failed
to submit important documents. The case of the prosecution is weak as of now because several
prosecution witnesses have withdrawn from the case. The ICC has summoned Kenyatta for a status
hearing so he may explain allegations that evidence against has been withheld by the Kenyans. His
request to participate by video was rejected by the Court.
Massacres
The massacres that Mr.Kenyatta is accused of playing a role in, took place after the 2007 elections in
Kenya. Kenyatta was a close ally of the winner of the election, Mwai Kibaki. Kibaiki’s opponent, Raila
Odinga, claimed that the elections were rigged. The dispute then lead to violence with peoples of
different ethnicities pitted against each other. Kenyatta is accused of organizing ethnic gangs to
attack rival groups.
Around a thousand people were killed and hundreds of thousands were displaced in the violence.
Typhoon Phanfone made landfall near the city of Hamamatsu in Japan. Many parts of Japan faced
torrential rain, with some areas receiving a month’s worth of rainfall in a matter of minutes.
As many as 600 domestic flights and 19 international flights have been cancelled. Over 2,00,000
people have been asked to evacuate their homes throughout Eastern Japan due to threat of
landslides and flooding of rivers.
Tropical Storm Risk is a storm tracker that tracks cyclones etc and categories them as per their
expected severity. Phanfone was earlier labeled a category one typhoon, which is the lowest on a
scale of one to five. However, as it approached, the typhoon was labeled a category four.
Within days of the PM’s announcement of lifetime visas for PIOs, the notification for the same has
been issued by the Centre.
Notification
The notification amends the rules of the PIO Card Scheme so that new recipients of PIO cards will
receive cards that will be valid for the duration of their life, provided they are holders of valid
passports. This lifetime validity will be applicable retrospectively to holders of PIO cards too if they
possess a valid passport. Earlier, PIOs had cards which granted them a 15 year visa, which could
then be extended for a term of 10 years at a time.
The Scheme for issuance of Person of Indian Origin Card (PIO Card) Amendment Scheme, 2014
also amended the rules that required PIOs spending more than 180 days in India to register
themselves with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office). No such registration is now
required irrespective of how long the PIO’s stay is.
PIO
A PIO refers to any person without Indian passport and not a citizen of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China,
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, who falls under any of the following categories
Any person who has at any time held an Indian passport
Any person whose parent(s) or grandparent (s) or great grandparents (s) was born in India or was
a permanent resident in India . However, such a person should not have been a citizen of any
other specific country
Any person who is a spouse of a citizen of India or of a PIO who falls under any of the above two
categories
Scheme for issuance of Person of Indian Origin Card (PIO Card) Scheme, 2002
This scheme was launched in 15th September 2002. The aim of this scheme was to ensure easier
travel of PIOs to India. Holders of PIO cards can avail of various benefits, the most important of which
is travelling to India without a visa.
The International Day of Nonviolence is being celebrated throughout the world on October 2, 2014
the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This Day is observed by all countries of the UN and it
promotes the principles of nonviolence through education and public awareness.
About International day of NonViolence
A resolution was tabled in the UNGA in 2007 to establish the International Day of Nonviolence in an
effort to spread the message of nonviolence. The resolution acknowledged the efforts of Mahatma
Gandhi is spreading the message of nonviolence, and it was decided to celebrate the International
Day of Nonviolence on October 2. This resolution passed in the UNGA, and since then October 2
has been globally observed as International Day of Nonviolence.
A joint editorial released by India and US highlighted the following developments in the bilateral
relationship of the two countries:
Indo US Investment Initiative
Establishment of an Indo US Investment Initiative led by the Ministry of Finance on the Indian side
and the Department of Treasury on the American side, with special focus on capital market
development and financing of infrastructure. This Initiative will focus on increasing investment by
institutional investors and corporate entities
Infrastructure Collaboration Platform
Establishment of an Infrastructure Collaboration Platform convened by the Ministry of Finance on
the Indian side and the Department of Commerce on the American side to facilitate the participation
of American companies in Indian infrastructure projects
Trade Policy Forum
The two countries committed to work through the Trade Policy Forum to promote a business
environment that was conducive for companies to invest and manufacture in both in India and US.
Also, an annual highlevel Intellectual Property Working Group as a part of the Trade Policy Forum
will be formed to look into issues related to innovation.
Others
The two leaders also committed to hold publicprivate discussions in the early part of 2015 under
the already existing Commercial Dialogue on new areas of cooperation, including innovation in
advanced manufacturing
After reiterating their commitment to working together towards the creation of a new global
agreement on climate change, they agreed to hold an urgent meeting of their bilateral task force
on HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) prior to the next meeting of the Montreal Protocol
The two leaders launched a new US – India Climate Fellowship Program to build each other’s long
term capacity to address climate change related issues
A MoU between the ExportImport Bank and the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
was signed. This MoU would make up to $1 bn in financing available to India to help its transition
to a low carbon and climate resilient energy economy, at the same time boosting American
renewable energy exports to India
The countries also agreed to a 10 year extension of the 2005 Framework for the US – India
Defense Relationship
The two leaders decided to intensify cooperation in maritime security, mainly by enhancing
technology partnerships for India’s Navy and also upgrading the existing military exercise Malabar.
USA pledged to help India counter the threat of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) through I&T
(information and technology)
The two leaders appreciated the establishment and planned first meeting of the NASAISRO Mars
Joint Working Group under the U.S.India Civil Space Joint Working Group and hoped for further
cooperation in the area of space technology
The two countries agreed to launch a new phase of the IndiaU.S. Vaccine Action Program and
emphasis on developing affordable vaccines for dengue, malaria, and TB
The two countries pledged to work together towards the export of nuclear technology from US to
India to make India more selfreliant. In furtherance of this, the countries decided to continue
working towards India’s phased entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Australia Group. The
American President expressed his support for India’s early application and eventual membership
in all four regimes.
The ‘Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go’ vision statement speaks of strengthening the
strategic partnership between India and USA. This statement was released during PM Modi’s visit to
Washington DC to meet President Obama. The statement expressed the following points:
The strategic partnership of the two nations rests on the shared mission to provide equal
opportunity to its people through democracy and freedom
The two countries are bound together by kinship and commerce, scholarship and science. The
ties between the people of both countries and their cooperation has resulted in developments
in science and the arts. This enables the leaders of both countries to have a long term
perspective as regards the partnership
One major goal of the partnership is prosperity and peace. This endeavor shall be fulfilled through
intense consultations, joint exercises, and shared technology. Security cooperation between the
two will be targeted at the region and the world at large too. The countries also aim to work
together towards combating terrorist threats, keeping its county and its peoples safe and
responding to humanitarian disasters. The countries also dedicate themselves to stopping the
spread of WMDs, reducing the salience of nuclear weapons, and promoting universal, verifiable
and nondiscriminatory nuclear disarmament
Close cooperation between the two at the UN and beyond
Support for India assuming a greater multilateral responsibility, including in a reformed UNSC and
for an open and inclusive rules based global order
Working together to mitigate the impact of climate change and adapt to the changing environment.
Cooperation between the government and the science and academic communities to address the
consequences of unchecked pollution. Take steps to ensure availability of affordable, reliable,
clean and diverse sources of energy for both nations, including by bringing nuclear power
technologies of American origin to India
Engaging in joint research and collaboration in a variety of areas from particles of creation to outer
space
Striving for open markets that will allow trade and service to flourish. Also work towards ensuring
that economic growth results in better livelihoods and welfare for all people in the country.
The two countries will also work jointly to counter infectious diseases, eliminate maternal and child
deaths and to eradicate poverty
The countries will also work to provide a secure environment which encourages the fullest
empowerment of women
The countries also agreed to expand and deepen their strategic partnership so that they may
harness the inherent potential of the two democracies and its people.
Other than Business Diplomacy a major aim of the PM’s visit was to reengage with USA and
rejuvenate the IndoUS strategic partnership which reached its peak at the signing of the 123
agreement and has since slowly fizzled out. The ‘Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go’
vision statement discusses the varied areas wherein the two countries might benefit from co
operation and collaboration. This statement acts as a roadmap to the future IndoUS partnership,
and speaks to how the two countries view each other’s roles in the international arena.
In his speech addressing IndianAmericans at Madison Square Garden, PM Modi announced lifetime
visas for PIOs (Persons of Indian origin). In additional reforms, he said that PIO card holders staying
for a long term will not have to report at the local police station and that eventually, PIO and OCI
schemes will be merged and the process streamlined in order to facilitate easy travel for the card
holders.
As far as US citizens are concerned, he announced a visa on arrival scheme for them. He also
mentioned that the government was looking into granting long term visas for US citizens visiting India
as tourists.
PM Modi’s first speech before the UNGA has been commended by his supporters and critics alike. He
touched upon various topics concerning India and the world in his address, which was delivered in
Hindi. The speech which lasted a little more than thirty minutes was read from a prepared text, and
some parts were extempore too. Some of the points he made in his speech are as follows:
The PM asserted that India’s future was tied with that of its neighbors. Citing instances of his
government’s attempts to reach out to different neighbors, he also made it clear that no stable
relationship could be built under the shadow of terrorism
Condemning terrorism and rising extremism in various parts of the world, he insisted that all
nations of the world would have to function in unison to deal with such a menace. He also called
for genuine dialogue and engagement between countries
In a rebuke to Mr. Nawaz Sharif’s reference to Kashmir in his speech, the PM said that it was
pointless to raise bilateral issues in international forums like the UN
He also stated that it was now up to Pakistan to establish an atmosphere that was conducive to
resuming talks
Rejecting unilateralism, he said that countries would have to work together to resolve the issues
before them. Drawing on India’s ancient history and wisdom, he stated that India viewed the world
as one. Even though India is a developing nation it is ready to share its modest resources with the
world, he stated. He also questioned the necessity of various grouping of nations like G8 etc when
a multilateral body like the UN existed.
He also called for reforms to the UNSC
He highlighted issues faced by nations and it people due to globalization and climate chang
He said that democratic principles and unity were on an upsurge in various parts of the world,
highlighting Afghanistan and Nepal as examples. He also mentioned that the world was
experiencing increasing levels of prosperity and stability, especially in Latin America
The PM drew on India’s soft power across the globe by making references to yoga and calling for
celebration of International Yoga Day
On September 27, 2014, Pro Democracy protests in Hong Kong against a ruling imposing restrictions
on the city’s Chief Executive Official were brought forward to follows the student protests calling for
greater political freedom. The Central in OCLP refers to the business district in Hong Kong, where the
protests were to be held. The demands of the nonviolent protests are universal suffrage in Hong
Kong and that the impending elections in 2017 and 2020 be held according to international
standards. The elections in question are for the Chief Executive position and Legislative Council
seats.
The protest was conceived to be an act of civil disobedience by the organizers. Hong Kong citizens,
unlike those of mainland China have the right to free speech and right to protest. The ruling of the
National People’s Congress that triggered the protests said that candidates for the 2017 Chief
Executive elections would be nominated only by a Committee which consisted mostly of pro Beijing
members.
The protests were met with repression from the police officials. The Police are believed to have
arrested 78 people since the student demonstrations began. There have been reports saying that the
police used pepper spray and tear gas to disperse the protestors. At least 26 people are believed to
have been hospitalized; some police officials were also injured.
Business groups, multiple Chinese and Hong Kong government officials, and pro Beijing lobbies have
condemned the protests. The Chinese government has also accused foreign elements of meddling in
its affairs and encouraging separatist sentiments.
Rival Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas have agreed to a unified government in Gaza that is set
to assume power immediately. The government will be headed by Mahmoud Abbas, as agreed upon
by the two sides in talks held in Egypt. The two sides agreed to the unity government along with the
UN controlling the Gaza border crossings. Also, a decision has been made to constitute a joint
committee than will oversee implementation of previous reconciliation agreements between the two
factions.
The deal will see Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by some countries, cede power
in the Gaza strip which has been under its control since 2007 when it won elections there. Since
gaining power, Hamas has fought three wars with Israel. Its recent conflict with Israel also ended in a
ceasefire deal which stipulated that Mahmoud Abbas’ Palestinian Authority must control the civil
administration of Gaza.
Bamiyan in Afghanistan is best known for two 6th century colossal statues of Buddhas , belonging to
ancient Gandhara School of Art. These colossal buddha images were destroyed by Taliban in 2001.
In September 2014, Bamiyan has been given the honour of being the SAARC Cultural Capital for the
year 201516. This was agreed upon at the SAARC Culture Ministers Conference, which also
designated Dhaka as the cultural capital for the year 201617. Also, the year 201617 is to be the
SAARC Year of Cultural Heritage. These developments are part of the efforts aimed at strengthening
cultural ties among SAARC nations.
India will contribute $10 mn to the UN SecretaryGeneral’s Fund for Ebola, and an additional $2 mn is
being allocated towards purchase of protective gear to tackle the virus, which has been declared a
threat to international peace and security by the UNSC.
The outbreak of the Ebola virus in Africa earlier this year has worsened since, with a death toll of
more than 2,000 persons. Certain areas in Sierra Leone have been quarantined to restrict the spread
of the virus. The virus has caused widespread panic in the African continent withsome countries
attempting to place restrictions on travel. The UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response is being
put in place to formulate an effective response mechanism.
The standoff at the SinoIndian border at Ladakh, which escalated on the eve of Chinese President
Xi Jinping’s visit to India was finally resolved when the Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
met the Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi in New York, on the sidelines of the UNGA summit.
The withdrawal of troops from Ladakh’s Chumar region is set to begin immediately and will be
completed by the end of September.
The conflict between the two sides began when some Chinese workers who were building a road on
their side of the border, crossed over to the Indian side and claimed that they had orders to construct
a road up to Tible, which is around 5 kms into Indian territory. The situation escalated when both
sides increased troop presence around that border.
This is not the first instance of border skirmishes overshadowing the visit of Chinese leaders. In 2013,
during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to India, Chinese troops entered Depsang Valley in Ladakh.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2178 (2014) at a
special sitting of the UNSC where most members were represented by their heads of state and the
meeting itself was chaired by President Obama.
The resolution was passed under Chapter VII of the UN Charter which makes it binding on all
member states. The resolution emphasizes on international cooperation to undertake counter
terrorism measures to stop the ISIS threat. It places specific obligations on member states to take
steps to stop the flow of foreign terrorist fighters (FTF) to the area of conflict. The resolution also calls
upon the UN agencies to play their part in helping nations assess and curb the threat of FTF. The
resolution is a milestone because it requires the member to take affirmative action to prevent
recruitment and movement of FTF instead of merely condemning FTF.
Earlier, in August, Resolution No. 2170 (2014) was adopted by the UNSC which condemned violence
and the abuse of human rights by extremist groups like ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Kaushik Basu, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of World Bank, has been appointed as
presidentelect of the association by the International Economic Association (IEA). Meanwhile, Basu
will continue serving as Senior Vice President and World Bank Chief Economist. A World Bank Chief
Economist is appointed for a 4 year term and Basu started his Job as Senior Vice President and
World Bank Chief Economist on October 1, 2012.
The International Economic Association (IEA) is one of the key organizations of professional
economists, and has been significant in determining global economic policy and research. Amongst
the past presidents of IEA were the Nobel laureates Robert Solow, Amartya Sen and Joseph Stiglitz.
Thus, Kaushik Basu will be the 2nd Indian to head IEA.
IEA produces a large number of research papers and books and organises round tables on topics of
presentday interest. Its principal activities include International Congress organized every 3 years.
The occasion serves as one of the major assemblies of economists from around the world. The 2014
International Congress was held at Dead Sea, Jordan. Earlier to that the Congress was hosted by
China in Beijing in 2011.
Indian scientist Kamal Bawa, an eminent professor of biology at the University of Massachusetts in
Boston, won the Midori Prize (2014) in Biodiversity for his research, including in climate change in the
Himalayas.
Kamal Bawa, founder president of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment
(ATREE) in Bangalore, will accept the prize with a cash award of $100,000 during the Oct 1617,
2014 Conference of Parties (COP12) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in South
Korea. India, the at present the chair of the COP11 and India will pass the baton to Korea at the
COP12 in South Korea. The theme of this year’s COP12 meeting is ‘Biodiversity for Sustainable
Development’.
Other Awardees For Year 2014
Alfred OtengYeboah (Ghana) Chair, Ghana National Biodiversity Committee
Bibiana Vila (Argentina) Director, Vicuñas, Camelids and Environment (VICAM), Principal
Researcher, National Research Council (CONICET) Argentina.
Midori Prize for Biodiversity
Established in 2010 at the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the AEON Environmental Foundation,
the Midori Prize is regarded a major element “at the service of the objectives of the United
Nations Decade on Biodiversity 20112020.” The Prize honors 3 individuals who have made
exceptional contribution to conservation and sustainable use at local and global levels, and who have
inspired several biodiversityrelated works, as well as fostering consciousness about biodiversity.
Each winner gets a certificate, a memorial gift and a cash prize of USD100,000. The MIDORI Prize
serves as a key instrument at the service of the aims of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity
20112020.
Researchers at the Cavendish Laboratory of the Cambridge University for the very first time have
developed a graphemebased flexible screen. The advancement is important because it will lead to
the development of nextgeneration hightech wearable and foldable electronic devices in future.
Professor Andrea Ferrari, Director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre and Plastic Logic
demonstrated a flexible display incorporating graphene in its pixels’ electronics.
Graphenebased flexible screen
The novel prototype is an effective matrix electrophoretic display, comparable to the screens used in
today’s ereaders, excluding the fact that it is made of flexible plastic as an alternative of glass. The
pixel electronics, or backplane of this display comprises a solutionprocessed graphene electrode, in
contrast to conventional displays. It will substitute the sputtered metal electrode layer within Plastic
Logic’s conventional devices, which will bring about the product and method benefits.
The newfangled 150 pixel per inch backplane was prepared at low temperatures (less than 100
degrees Celsius) by means of the Plastic Logic’s Organic Thin Film Transistor (OTFT)
technology. The prototype will quicken the commercial development of grapheme and is being
considered as the first step in the direction of broader application of graphene and graphenelike
materials into flexible electronics. The ultraflexible graphene layer will permit a extensive range of
products, involving foldable electronics.
About Graphene
Graphene is a 2D (twodimensional) material comprising of sheets of carbon atoms. It is amongst the
strongest, most lightweight and flexible materials identified, and has the capacity to revolutionize
industries from healthcare to electronics. Graphene is more elastic than usual ceramic substitutes like
IndiumTin oxide (ITO) and more transparent than metal films. Graphene can be processed from
solution bringing characteristic benefits of using more effective printed and rolltoroll manufacturing
methods. Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov of Russia won the Nobel Prize 2010 for research on
graphene.
The US President, Barack Obama for the first time, authorized US air strikes against Islamic State of
Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants in Syria. He also asked to increase the airstrikes in Iraq. This will be the
first unrestricted bombing crusade of the US against jihadist ISIS militants in Syria. As per the
strategy, the airstrikes will be a organized crusade of against the group.
Obama held that the air strikes were essential counterterrorism action to stop the ISIS group to
become a threat for the US in future, thus his order doesn’t need congressional approval. ISIS
militants have seized a swath territory in northern parts of Iraq and Syria.
Apart from this, the key ten Arab countries have agreed to help the US in its fight against the jihadist
group, Islamic State (IS). They have assured to offer military backing and humanitarian assistance to
the US to stop the flow of funds and foreign fighters to ISIS. Only, the NATO member, Turkey
declined to join in the group of Arab nations that will support the US.
Approximately 30 years after the protections of the Montreal Protocol were put into action, there’s
more proof that the international contract to safeguard Earth’s ozone layer is effective, as per a fresh
by 300 scientists. The large quantity of most ozonedepleting matters in the atmosphere have fallen
since the earlier assessment, in 2010, and Earth’s shielding ozone layer is displaying signs of
recovery, as per the “Assessment for DecisionMakers,” part of a larger report to be released
early next year.
The report is the most recent in a sequence delivered every four years by the international scientific
community, headed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP), and cosponsored by NOAA, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) and the European Commission. The Decisionmakers trust on these logical
updates and have used them to increase protection of the ozone layer, banning or restricting the use
of ozonedepleting substances, for example.
The stratospheric ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, safeguards the Earth from dangerous
ultraviolet rays of the sun. Maximum ozone is located in the stratosphere, far above Earth. The ozone
layer acts as a safeguard, absorbing UltraViolet (UV) radiation from the Sun and safeguarding
Earth’s surface from dangerous volumes of UV radiation. In the 1970s, NOAA researchers started to
identify that particular chemicals, including chemicals called ChloroFluoroCarbons (CFCs) and
Halons, used extensively in cooling and firefighting, could reach the stratosphere and activate
reactions that damages ozone. In 1985, scientists noticed that a seasonal “Ozone Hole” was
establishing in the Antarctic spring, NOAA researchers performed a key role in showing that those
same chemicals were triggering the hole.
Because of the Montreal Protocol, several ozonedamaging chemicals have been substituted by
substances that don’t destroy ozone. Nonetheless, certain new chemicals, including the CFC
substitute HydroFluoroCarbons (HFCs), are powerful greenhouse gases and could substantially
lead to climate change in the upcoming periods. Researchers from NOAA’s Earth System Research
Laboratory play a significant part in this subject, testing offered new materials to understand if they
are harmless for the ozone layer, climate and the environment.
Key findings:
1. Measures taken under the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the Ozone Layer
are assisting the restore of the ozone layer to yardstick 1980 levels.
2. The climate benefits of the Montreal Protocol could be considerably offset by projected
emissions of HFCs (HydroFluoroCarbons) utilized to substitute ozone depleting
materials.
3. The yearly Antarctic ozone hole has triggered substantial changes in Southern
Hemisphere surface climate in the summer. Ozone reduction has contributed to cooling of the
lower stratosphere and this is very probable the main reason of noticed changes in Southern
Hemisphere summertime circulation over of late decades, with linked effects on surface
temperature, precipitation, and the oceans.
4. In the Northern Hemisphere, where the ozone depletion is lesser, there is no convincing
link between stratospheric ozone depletion and tropospheric climate.
5. CO2, Nitrous Oxide and Methane will have an growing influence on the ozone layer. What
happens to the ozone layer in the second half of the 21st century will mostly be determined by the
concentrations of CO2, methane and nitrous oxide – the 3 key longlived greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere. In general, CO2 and methane lead to increase global ozone levels. By contrast,
nitrous oxide, a byproduct of food production, is both a strong greenhouse gas and an ozone
depleting gas, and is expected to become more significant in future ozone depletion.
On September 17, 2014 i.e. PM Modi’s Birthday, the Chinese president Xi Jinping will land in
Gujarat and will carry besides him $100 billion or Rs 6 lakh crore of investment promises over 5 years
through his forthcoming India visit. This is approximately thrice the $35 billion locked by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi during his recent Japan trip.
China will firstly invest $7 billion in industrial parks in Pune and Gandhinagar, which is just the tip of
the iceberg as Chinese firms are eyeballing over $50 billion worth of investments in transformation of
the Indian railways and running bullet and hispeed trains in India. The Indian Railways has been
granted approval for 100% FDI, and consequently it will come up with a wideranging plan for
facilitating FDI in the sector. China is eager to invest additional $50 billion in roads, ports and the NDA
government’s determined riverlinking plan. The Chinese leader is coming with a delegation of over
100 business heads, involving those from China Harbour, China Railway Construction Group and
Huawei, midst others, and will speak to a trade gathering of over 400 Indian CEOs in Delhi. The
giant 4 Chinese banks (Bank of China, Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), China
Construction Bank and the Agriculture Bank of China) are also arriving with the delegation to
give billions of dollars in advances to Indian infrastructure plans to be completed in joint venture with
Chinese companies.
Senior IAS officer Subhash Chandra Garg, a 1983batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre, was selected
as the ED (Executive Director) of the World Bank. The order released by the Appointments
Committee of Cabinet (ACC) held that Subhash Garg will have tenure of 3 years from the date of
assuming charge of the post.
An ED of the World Bank is accountable for the conduct of the general operations of the Bank. They
also carry out all the powers authorized to them by the Boards of Governors and choose a President
who performs as Chairman of the Boards.
EDs are also accountable for IBRD’s (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) loans,
guarantees and policies that effect the World Bank’s general operations amid others.
India inked a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in services and investments with the Association of
South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), paving the mode for a more relaxed movement of
professionals and additionally opening prospects for investments between India and ASEAN.
India implemented FTA in goods with 10member ASEAN in 2011. 9 out of 10 ASEAN nations have
inked the agreement. Philippines , now the only ASEAN country yet to sign the pact, is finalizing its
domestic process and is probable to sign soon.
All ASEAN members — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — are likely to get the contract approved by their Parliaments after
which it will be formally adopted during the next India–ASEAN summit later this year.
The trade in services agreement contains all characteristics of a contemporary and allinclusive pact
and is in line with the other bilateral agreements that India has inked so far.
Few vital Articles encompassed in the agreement are ones on transparency, domestic regulations,
recognition, market access, national treatment, increasing participation of developing countries, joint
committee on services, review, dispute settlement and denial of benefits, etc.
India and Bahrain trade and commerce ties are on an upsurge. India and Bahrain trade and
commerce has amassed momentum over the years and is assured to increase more with stress on
partnerships in important sectors. Now the stress is on shifting from a characteristic buyerseller
relation to partners in progress. Significant areas include agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare,
medical tourism, real estate and pharmaceuticals.
Key points on IndiaBahrain Trade and Commerce relations:
Bilateral trade crossed $1,3 billion mark in 201314 and is expected to cross $1.5 billion.
India’s export to Bahrain has gone up by more than 80% over the past 5 years from $252 million
to $603 million in 201213.
India’s key nonoil exports include chemicals, compounds of precious metals, boilers, electrical
and electronic machinery and vehicles with spare parts.
Other than oil , India imports Aluminium, Iron and Steel, Salt, Sulphur, Plastering Materials, Lime
and Cement, Fertilizers, etc.
Why Bahrain is important for India?
Besides regular Business relations with Bahrain; Bahrain is important for India as being a member of
GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and Bahrain’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with European
nations and NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) can offer easygoing entry of Indian
goods to the destinations abroad.
India’s nuclear power programme reached a fresh milestone after Unit 5 of the Rajasthan Atomic
Power Station (RAPS), become the 2nd longest running reactor in the world by being in
operation for 765 days nonstop.
The Unit 5 of the RAPS, a 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), in Rawatbhata has
been in uninterrupted operation since August 2, 2012 and it has been operating at full power with a
capacity factor of 105% and has since then generated around 4,258 million units of electricity.
Unit 7 of Canada’s Pickering nuclear plant holds the world record of running the largest operating
plant that ran continuously for 894 days.
On September 5 2014, Representatives of Ukraine, the Russian Federation, the Donetsk People’s
Republic (DPR), and the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) inked the Minsk Agreement (2014) to
stop the war in the Donbass region of Ukraine. The agreement was inked after widespread talks in
Minsk, Belarus, under the patronage of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE). The settlement, which followed numerous earlier efforts to stop fighting in the Donbass, put
into action an instantaneous ceasefire.
Earlier at the NATO Wales Summit 2014, NATO leaders and European Union leaders expressed
profound attentiveness and also enunciated about dialogue for a ceasefire. NATO leaders and
Ukraine considers that rebels are equipped by the Russia.
The Minsk Agreement (2014)
It was drawnup by the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine, which comprised of representatives from
Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE. The protocol of the Minsk Agreement consists of 12 points:
1. Confirm an instant bilateral ceasefire.
2. Confirm the supervising and confirmation by the OSCE of the ceasefire.
3. A decentralization of power, via adoption of the law of Ukraine “about local government provisional
arrangements in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts” (law on the special status).
4. Confirm a longlasting observation of the UkrainianRussian border and confirmation by the OSCE
with the establishment of security zones in the border regions of Ukraine and the Russian
Federation.
5. To instantly let go all hostages and unlawfully imprisoned persons.
6. A law on checking the trial and sentence of persons in link with the events that have taken place in
some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.
7. Resume the comprehensive national dialogue.
8. To take courses to better the humanitarian condition in Donbass.
9. Confirm speedy local elections in agreement with the law of Ukraine “about local government
provisional arrangements in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts” (law on the special
status).
10. Pull out the unlawful armed groups, military equipment, as well as fighters and armed forces from
Ukraine.
11. To implement the program of economic recovery and reconstruction of Donbass region.
12. To deliver personal security for the members in the discussions.
China bestowed China Book Award to Jawaharlal Nehru University professor Priyadarsi Mukherji , for
his support to interpretation and publication of Chinese works. Priyadarsi Mukherji was awarded
along with 10 other winners. China Book Award is a distinctive award to applaud those who have
made great and extensive assistance to familiarizing Chinese books overseas.
Prof. Mukherji is presently working under the Chinese and Sinological Studies department of JNU. He
has translated a number of literary works from Chinese into Bengali, English and Hindi. over the last
25 years he has monographed books on Chinese culture and language. Prof. Mukherji has to his
credit many works themed around China like “Poems of Lu Xun” – an anthology of 45 poems by Lu
Xun from original Chinese into Bengali.
China Book Award was first launched in 2005 by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of
China as a Statelevel award. It intends to encourage Chinese culture and literature overseas.
Awards generally go to foreign sinologists, translators, writers and publishers who have made great
headways in familiarizing Chinese culture to the world.
A new Road Traffic Act will be brought in the winter session of Parliament this year, which will be at
par with international Acts in the Road Sector, this was held by the Union Minister for Road Transport
and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari. He held that the prevailing Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 has
outlasted its usefulness and in the fast changing traffic situation, a holistic Act is desirable. A draft of
the recommended Act is already reaching closing stage and it will have characteristics of the best
practices of developed nations like USA, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Germany and the UK.
The Minister grieved that every year 1,38,000 people are killed in road accidents, the total social cost
of which is estimated to be around Rs 1 Lakh Crore. Additionally, 63 % of the road crash deaths
occur on National and State Highways. The major difficulty faced in urban areas in addition to road
safety is unparalleled growth of vehicles leading to traffic jamming and increasing road traffic
violations.
Due to deficiency of effectual road engineering, faulty DPRs were made leading to rising road
accidents and casualties. There is need to fix responsibility at the top level for such large number of
accidents. There is also a requirement to lay pressure on execution and education for attaining
preferred results on the ground.
The Minister valued the role of Institute of Road Traffic Education regarding capacity building of
road traffic management based upon 25 years of their study.
Approximately 800 years after the ancient education institution was ruined, on September 1, 2014,
Nalanda University (also known as University of Nalanda), in Bihar’s Rajgir district,
commenced its first academic session. Nalanda is a Central University in Rajgir, about 55 miles south
east of Patna, near Nalanda, Bihar, India. The university is envisioned to reestablish the older
Nalanda University which was one of the oldest ancient higherlearning institutions. Nobel Laureate
Dr. Amartya Sen is the Chancellor of the University.
Background:
Historical studies advocate that the University of Nalanda was originally established in the 5th century
AD during the reign of a Gupta King called Śakrāditya (also known as Kumāragupta, reigned
(41555)). Both Xuanzang ((602664) a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveller, and translator)
and Prajñavarman (a Bengali Buddhist writer) cite Śakrāditya as the founder. A Seal discovered at
the site also confirms Śakrāditya as the founder of the University. Śakrāditya’s identity is uncertain
and who is not a historical character, he might have been either Kumaragupta I or Kumaragupta II.
Some buildings were constructed by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka the Great (273–232 BCE). As
per the Historians, Nalanda prospered between the reign of the Gupta king Śakrāditya and 1197 CE,
supported by patronage from Buddhist emperors like Harsha as well as later emperors from the
Pala Empire.
Nalanda University (NU) was one of the world’s first residential universities, as it had dormitories
for students. In its peak it housed over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. The complex was built
with red bricks and its ruins occupy an area of 14 hectares. The university was respected as an
architectural masterpiece, and was marked by a tall wall and one gate. There were 8 distinct
compounds and 10 temples, together with many meditation halls and classrooms. There were lakes
and parks on the grounds. The library was located in a 9storied building where meticulous
copies of texts were produced.
Xuanzang (a Tang Dynasty Chinese pilgrim and scholar) studied, taught and spent nearly 15
years at Nalanda University. He left thorough descriptions of the university in the 7th century. Yijing
((635–713 CE), was a Tang Dynasty Chinese Buddhist monk, originally named Zhang
Wenming) also left information about kingdoms lying on the route between China and the Nālandā
university. He was translated a large number of Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Chinese.
At its peak, the university appealed scholars and students from China, Greece, Indonesia, Japan,
Korea, Persia, Tibet and Turkey. The subjects taught comprised:
Astronomy, Architecture, History, Law, Linguistics, Medicine, Metallurgy, Pharmacology, Public
Health, Religion and Sculpture.
Nalanda University was ruined 3 times by invaders, but reconstructed only twice:
First Destruction: By the Huns under Mihirakula during the reign of Skandagupta (455–467
AD). Later, Skanda’s successors started the restoration, developing it with even larger buildings,
and gifted it with ample resources to let the university sustain itself in the longer span.
Second Destruction: By the Gaudas in the early 7th century. This time, the Bauddha King
Harshavardhana (606–648 AD) restored the Buddhist university.
Third Destruction: Destroyed in a Turkish attack led by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193. Scholars
also mark this event as a late milestone in the fall of Buddhism in India. The Persian
historian MinhajiSiraj, in his records the ‘Tabaqati Nasiri’, reported that thousands of monks
were burned alive and thousands beheaded as Khilji tried his best to uproot Buddhism.
Notable scholars who studied at Nalanda included:
Asanga, Aryadeva, Dharmakirti, Dharmapal, Harshavardhana, Hwui Li, Nagarjuna, Padmasambhava,
Shantarakshita, Suvishnu, Vasubandhu and Xuanzang (the reputed founder of Buddhism in Tibet).
Shilabhadra (Silavadra) was a Buddhist monk and philosopher. He is best known as being an abbot
(a man who is the head of a monastery) of Nālandā monastery in India, He was an expert on
Yogācāra teachings, and was personal tutor of the Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang.
Challenging economic environment for most of the last year has pushed India down to 71st position
in an yearly Global Competitiveness List 201415, released by the Genevabased World Economic
Forum (WEF). India has the lowest position amongst the 5 BRICS Nations. Switzerland is the most
competitive economy.
The yearly list, has come at a time when the fresh Modi Government has just completed 100 days in
power. Thus it faces faces the test of bettering competitiveness and revitalizing the economy, which is
at present growing at half the rate of 2010.
As per the Global Competitiveness Report 201415 the Top 10 nations are as follows:
1) Switzerland
2) Singapore
3) United States
4) Finland
5) Germany
6) Japan
7) Hong Kong SAR
8) Netherlands
9) United Kingdom
10) Sweden
Ranking Amongst the BRICS Nations:
28) China
53) Russia
56) South Africa
57) Brazil
71) India
The decline in position of India by 11 places to 71st, set against the gains of the ASEAN 5 nations,
indicates that the competitiveness divide South and Southeast Asia is becoming more noticeable.
India’s downslide in the competitiveness rankings started in 2009, when its economy was still rising at
8.5% (it even grew by 10.3% in 2010).
Bettering competitiveness would bring in enormous profits for India, it would help rebalance the
economy and shift the nation up the value chain warranting more solid and stable growth. This would
in turn produce more employment opportunities for the India’s speedily rising population.”
On August 30, 2014, email turned 32 years. The method of message transfer was invented by Indian
American V.A.Shiva Ayyadurai when he was just 14 years. V A Shiva Ayyadurai was born to a Tamil
Family in Bombay in 1963.
In 1978, Shiva Ayyadurai invented a computer programme, which he called “email,” that simulated
all the functions of the interoffice mail system: Inbox, Outbox, Folders, Memo, Attachments, Address
Book, etc. These features are now wellknown parts of every email arrangement.
On August 30, 1982, the US government formally recognized Shiva Ayyadurai as the inventor of
email by awarding him the first US Copyright for Email for his 1978 invention. At that time copyright
was the only way to safeguard software inventions.
The Email wasn’t invented, with a huge research budget, in big institutions like the ARPANET, MIT,
etc. Rather these organizations had believed it “impossible” to build such a system, considering it far
too complex.
At the age of 14, Shiva Ayyadurai worked at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
(UMDNJ) as a research fellow, where Dr Leslie Michelson, then Director of the Laboratory Computer
Network (LCN) at UMDNJ gave him a challenge: to transform the old system of paperbased mail
communications used at UMDNJ to an electronic one.
Shiva Ayyadurai created a computer programme of over 50,000 lines of code, which electronically
simulated all the qualities of the interoffice mail system.
The History of Email
1961 Tom Van Vleck – Message transaction multiuser. one computer
1969 Leonard Kleinrock – Message transaction, two computers
1971 Ray Tomlinson Message transaction, multiuser, multicomputer
1973 Vlnton Cerf, Rort Kahn – TCP/IP
1973 BobtcaEthernet
1977 Dave Crock J. Vittal, K. Pogran, D.A. Henderson – RFC 733
1978 The Challenge
(V.A.) Shiva Ayyadurai is asked by Les Michelson to create the fullscale electronic version of the
interoffice paper mail system in use at UMDNJ. Shiva creates first prototype. He calls it “email”
1979 Email System at UMDNJ
Email provides UMDNJ users Inbox? Outbox, Folders, the Memo (To, From, Sublact, Data Cc, Bcc),
Attachments, etc., and processes such as Compose, Foard, Sort, and others with easytouse
interface.
1980 Using Email
Email use grows at UMDNJ. More users, secretaries and doctors, across departments offices and
groups are added on to the email system.
1981 Westinghouse Award
Warting house Award, also own as the “Baby Nobal’s” recognizes Email system for its original
innovation.
1982 Copyright for Email
(V.A.) Shiva Ayyadurai receives US Copyright for “Email”. August 30, 1982: Registration TXU11 1
775
1985 Offline Email Readers
Development of offline readers allow email users to store email on their own personal computers.
Read and compose replies without actually being connected to the network.
1988 EUDORA
Steve Dorner develops Eudora. First commercial product to be widely used for reading and sending
email on Local Area Networks (LAN).
1989 Compuserve & MCI Mail
Compuserve and MCI Mall become first formally sanctioned email carriers connected to the internet.
1991 Lotus Notes
Ray Ozzie and Mitch Kapor release major version of Lotus Notes (2.0)
1992 Microsoft Outook
Microsoft releases its answer to Lotus Notes. MS Outlook
1993 America Online (AOL)
AOL offers an easily accessible internet based email system
1995 EchoMail Launched
EchoMail, the first integrated Email Management system to help businesses handle increasing
volumes of inbound EMAIL AT&T first customer.
1996 HoTMaiL
Sabeer Bhatia and Jack Smith launch HoTMail, soon becomes most used internet based email
system
1997 Yahoo
Yahoo Mail offered as an alternative to HoTMaiL. It too provides webbased access through a
browser.
1999 Blackberry
Blackberry makes accessing email via mobile phones more accessible. Mobile email is the new
buzzword.
2003 CANSPAM
President George W. Bush signs into law penalties for unsolicited email.
2005 Email Address Verification
SPF released to validate email addresses to control SPAM. SPF release spawns other validation
systems.
2007 Email at Google
Google launches Gmail on April Fool’s Day, after a prolonged four year Beta.
2009 iPhone 3G
iPhone and other mobile devices make email even more accessible.
2011 Email to Email
Associated Press Stylebook declares the use of email without hyphen “”, as the standard
unaware of U.S. Copyright for “email”.
2012 Smithsonian Honors Email
Papers, computer code, and artifacts documenting the invention of email by VA Shiva Ayyadurai are
accepted into the permanent archives of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
2013 Innovation Corps Launched
VA Shiva Ayyadurai and Dr. Leslie P. Michelson launch Innovation Corps to foster innovation for youth
across the globe, in inner cities and villages, so more innovatiors such as email are possible.
Baba Kalyani has been renominated as the CoChairman of the IndiaJapan Business Leader’s
Forum (IJBLF). The Ministry of Commerce and Industry appointed Kalyani as chairman of IJBLF.
Kalyani is Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd.
The members of IJBLF are accompanying PM Narendra Modi on his maiden visit to Japan.
IJBLF is a forum to leverage the trade and investment between the two nations for greater co
operation between their businesses. At present, the forum has 15 members that include Reliance
Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Bharti Enterprises head Sunil Bharti Mittal, HDFC Chairman
Deepak Parekh, Infosys S. Gopalakrishnan, TCS CEO N. Chandrasekaran and Godrej Group
Chairman Adi Godrej. The forum continues to strengthen the business processes and discover newer
opportunities for both nations.
Pakistan Government has appointed its Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif as
mediator to neutralize the ongoing political crisis in the country. The decision to seek COAS’ help was
taken after both Imran Khan, chief of Pakistan TehreekiInsaf (PTI) and TahirulQadri, the chief of
Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) refused to end their protests demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
to resign.
Background:
The current political turbulence in Pakistan was caused after the former additional secretary Election
Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Afzal Khan claimed that the general election in which Nawaz Sharif
registered an overwhelming victory was rigged. The country is in turmoil owing to political impasse for
two weeks. Antigovernment protests have gripped the capital Islamabad.
Earlier, Pakistan’s military had chosen not to intervene in the political crisis. But now, with the direct
involvement of the General, there are apprehensions that military could use this opportunity to
exercise its influence over a democraticallyelected civilian government.
Oscar organizers declared that they will give a esteemed humanitarian award to US actorproducer
singer Harry Belafonte, whose efforts as an activist has assisted throw light on racism and
discrimination. It will be presented at the body’s 6th annual Governors Awards on November 8, 2014
in Hollywood. He wasdnicknamed the “King of Calypso” for popularizing the Caribbean musical style
in the 1950s.
Belafonte, (87) spent much of his life campaigning for numerous causes such as education, famine
relief, children, AIDS awareness and civil rights. His films such as “Carmen Jones,” “Odds against
Tomorrow” and “The World, the Flesh and the Devil” aided portray the injustices of racism and
discrimination.
He was a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and marched besides Martin Luther King, Jr in his
prime. In 1987, he was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
J&K Legislative Council passed a resolution urging the government to resume the talks with
Pakistan. Chairman of the Council Amrit Malhotra moved the resolution on behalf of the house. The
resolution also suggested state government to take steps for the relief and rehabilitation.
The resolution may stir controversy as the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir clearly says that
Foreign Affairs are not under the purview of the state government.
Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) has become the first Indian to become the
ambassador of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
Interpol has signed SRK as the ambassador for its global “Turn Back Crime” campaign. The
campaign will spread awareness in preventing crime in the society. SRK will lend his voice for the
campaign to disseminate the message that society will benefit if the citizens will respect the law and
fight against the crime.
SRK joined the club of actors who have been the ambassador for the campaign. These include
Hollywood actor Jackie Chan, footballer Lionel Messi, F1 racing drivers Fernando Alonso and Kimi
Raikkonen.
“Turn Back Crime”
Turn Back Crime is a global campaign that highlights the dangers of organized crime and its effect on
our daytoday lives. Using a variety of media channels – including video, website and social
networks – the campaign provides advice on how to stay safe and encourages the general
public, businesses and governments to play a role in reducing the impact of crime. While many
people are aware that criminal networks are behind the illicit trafficking of drugs, firearms, and even
persons, they are often unaware of these networks’ ties to other, seemingly unrelated offenses such
as the counterfeiting of commercial goods, cybercrime, fraud, child exploitation, and corruption in
sport.
Organized crime affects every one of us, it affects the global economy as well as puts even
individuals at risk. Their health is endangered by poor quality counterfeit products; their financial
safety is compromised by attempts to steal their personal data; and children face threats such as
online grooming and abuse.
American space agency NASA has planned to launch Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite
in November 2014. It is part of the first tier of missions recommended for NASA by the Earth Science
Decadal Survey.
Utility of SMAP
The satellite will gather the local data of agricultural and water managers that are needed worldwide.
SMAP uses two microwave instruments to monitor the top 2 inches of soil on Earth’s surface. In sync,
these instruments will generate soil moisture estimates with a resolution of about 9 kilometers,
mapping the entire globe every 23 days.
SMAP surface measurements will be combined with hydrologic models to conclude soil moisture
situations in the root zone. These measurements will allow science applications users to:
Comprehend processes that link the terrestrial water, energy, and carbon cycles.
Evaluate global water and energy fluxes at the land surface.
Compute net carbon flux in boreal landscapes.
Improve weather and climate forecast skill.
Develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring competence
16year old Max Verstappen is set to create history by becoming the youngest ever Formula One
(F1) driver next season after Toro Rosso announced that the youngster will replace JeanÉric
Vergne. Verstappen is a Dutch and is son of the former F1 driver Jos. He has been racing this
season in the European F3 Championship, having graduated from karts in 2013. He joined Red Bull’s
junior programme in August 2014 but was confirmed to replace Vergne for next season.
To date, the Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari, who made his debut, at the age of 19, with the same Red
Bullowned team in 2009 is the youngest driver in the history of the sport.
Globally acclaimed yoga exponent B.K.S. Iyengar (95) passed away in Pune.
Born in Karnataka’s Kolar district in 1918 and enervated by maladies since his childhood, he codified
Patanjali’s yoga sutras in an ingeniously dynamic yoga style which came to be known as Iyengar
Yoga which attracted millions of followers in more than 70 countries. He expounded its principles
in Light on Yoga (1966), which has since been regarded as the bible of yoga. The book has
been translated into 19 languages and has sold more than 3 million copies.
His knowledge was open for access to all irrespective of class, caste and religion. Mr. Iyengar, who
was honored with the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, exposed yoga to the West,
teaching such famous personalities like violin maestro Yehudi Menuhin and author Aldous Huxley.
India has opposed a recent ruling passed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in a case related
to imposition of penal duties by the US on steel exports by Indian companies. India has filed an
appeal against the ruling. Though the report of the dispute panel favoured India in its stance that the
US’ determination of Countervailing Duties (CVD)—a levy to neutralize Government subsidies —
on high grade iron ore violated WTO norms but the international body rejected a number of
objections raised by India on specific technical issues related to how penal duties are to be
estimated.
In its appeal India has asked for revisiting the panel’s decision to reject the objections it has related
with the US method of calculating countervailing duties. It is worth mentioning that the US have been
imposing CVD ranging from 18% to 500% on carbon steel from India for more than a decade. The
high duties have badly impacted Indian steel companies such as Tata and Jindal reducing Indian
exports of the product to almost zero.
The US imposes the CVD on the ground that iron ore sourced by Indian steelmakers from public
sector NMDC is supplied at subsidised rate because it is governmentowned. India rejects this claim
and argues that NMDC always sells at the prevailing market prices which are determined by their
exports to Japan and South Korea.
The WTO also ruled in India’s favour in the way it decided to define a ‘public body’. However, the
WTO rejected a number of Indian challenges which included challenges to over 300 instances of the
use of ‘facts available’ and challenges to the US’ benchmark calculations and inclusion of new
subsidy programmes in CVD review proceedings.
CVD are imposed on goods to counter export subsidies and prevent dumping and as per the 1964
Marrakesh Agreement. US imposed CVD on India’s exports of hot rolled carbon steel flat products
involving steelmakers like Tata, Jindal and Essar who are supplied ore by the staterun ironore
mining firm, NMDC. In the meantime, the government is also conducting an evaluation all other
products of Indian origin on which the US has exercised the same provision to calculate CVD.
As per an annual ranking of global educational institutions released by the Academic Ranking of
World Universities (ARWU), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is the only Indian institution to
secure a spot in the top 500. The top positions are dominated by American universities with four
US universities standing at the top four spots.
IISc based in Bangalore, founded as a ‘Research Institute’ by Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, in 1909, has
been placed in the world rank category of 301400 by ARWU.
As per ARWU, World’s Top 5 Universities are:
1. Harvard University (US)
2. Stanford University (US)
3. Massachusetts University (US)
4. University of CaliforniaBerkeley (US)
5. University of Cambridge (UK)
Evaluation Criteria:
For ranking of universities, ARWU takes into account several indicators of academic and research
performance, including alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals. It also factors in
highlycited researchers, papers published in Nature and Science, papers indexed in major citation
indices and the per capita academic performance of an institution.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved the use of drug ZMapp to combat Ebola
spread as the death count surged.
The WHO decision comes after a US firm Mapp Biopharmaceutical supplied ZMapp to treat two US
health workers who contracted the Ebola virus while treating Ebola affected patients in Liberia. The
drug has shown some positive effects in saving the lives of Ebolainfected people.
The WHO has decided that the experimental drugs should be used with all transparency
including aspects of care, freedom of choice, confidentiality, respect for the person and preservation
of dignity. Doctors would not administer ZMapp without consent of the patients.
ZMapp
The current outbreak of Ebola is seen as the most terrible since the discovery of Ebola Virus. At
present, there is no cure for Ebola. Recently, Mapp Biopharmaceutical offered the drug ZMapp to
two US doctors who got affected with the Ebola disease.
The drug uses a novel method of passive immunization to treat Ebola disease by inserting genetically
altered Ebola protein into tobacco leaves. However, it has been tested only on monkeys so far and it
was to be tested on human volunteers in 2015. The abrupt outbreak of Ebola hastened the
development.
South African Government’s Ministry of Environment has announced its plan to evacuate hundreds of
rhinos from country’s famous Kruger National Park to save them from poachers. The step is part of
a plan to curb illegal hunts for rhino horn. The number of rhinos to be relocated can be up to
500. South Africa is home to more than 80% of Africa’s rhinos. Illegal poaching has surged from 13 in
2007 to 1,004 in 2013.
The Kruger National Park, which is of a similar size to Wales or Israel, is thought to be home to as
few as 8,400 white rhinos. Although international trade in rhino horn has been made illegal since
1977, demand remains high in some Asian nations, where it is used both in traditional medicine and
as a symbol of wealth.
The International Mathematical Union (IMU) awarded mathematicians of Indianand Iranianorigin
with the 2014 Fields Medal, also considered as the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics“.
Persons of India Origin (PIOs) Manjul Bhargava bagged the Fields Medal 2014 while Subhash
Khot won the Rolf Nevanlinna Prize conferred by the IMU at International Congress of
Mathematicians 2014 held in Seoul, South Korea.
Manjul Bhargava
He is an Indian CanadianAmerican mathematician. He is a Professor of Mathematics at Princeton
University and is known primarily for his contributions to number theory.
Notable Contribution: He has been awarded the Fields Medal for “developing powerful new
methods in the geometry of numbers, which he applied to count rings of small rank and to
bound the average rank of elliptic curves.” His work is based both on a profound understanding
of the representations of arithmetic groups and a unique mix of algebraic and analytic expertise.
Awards and Honors:
Bhargava was awarded with the Merten Hasse Prize of the Mathematical Association of America
(2003), the SASTRA Ramanujan Prize (2005), the Cole Prize in Number Theory of the American
Mathematical Society (2008) and the Infosys Prize (2012). He was elected to the US National
Academy of Sciences in 2013.
The Rolf Nevanlinna Prize:
The prize is awarded once every 4 years at the International Congress of Mathematicians in
recognition to the outstanding contributions in Mathematical Aspects of Information Sciences
including all mathematical aspects of computer science, including complexity theory, logic of
programming languages, analysis of algorithms, cryptography, computer vision, pattern recognition,
information processing and modelling of intelligence as well as scientific computing and numerical
analysis.
The names of four outstanding mathematicians for the Fields Medal, the most prestigious award in
mathematics, have been announced.
The Fields Medal is given by the International Mathematical Union to between two and four
mathematicians under the age of 40 at the International Congress of Mathematicians, held once
every four years. The award intends to recognize outstanding mathematical achievement for existing
work and for the promise of future achievement.
The four 2014 Fields Medalists:
1. Artur Avila: For his most noteworthy research is in the study of chaos theory and dynamical
systems.
2. Manjul Bhargava: For his contribution to number theory and algebra.
3. Martin Hairer: For his researches on stochastic partial differential equations.
4. Maryam Mirzakhani: For her work on the geometry of Riemann surfaces.
Oscarwinning actor Robin McLaurin Williams (63) passed away. Williams was an American
actor, standup comedian, film producer, and screenwriter. He became famous with his role as the
alien Mork in the TV series Mork & Mindy (1978–82). He went on to become a famed actor in both
standup comedy and feature film.
His acting was lauded in films such as Good Will Hunting (1997), Aladdin (1992), Jumanji (1995),
Night at the Museum (2006), and Happy Feet (2006).
Awards and Honors:
He was nominated thrice for the Academy Award for Best Actor and won the Academy Award for Best
Supporting Actor for his performance in Good Will Hunting. He also received four Golden Globe
Awards, two Emmy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and five Grammy Awards.
President of Iraq Mr. Fuad Masum has nominated Dr Haider AlAbadi for the role of country’s
Prime Minister.
Masum is an Iraqi politician and spokesman for the Islamic Dawa Party. He was appointed Minister of
Communications in the Iraqi Governing Council in September 2003. A Shia Muslim and electronic
consultant engineer with a PhD degree from the University of Manchester, UK in 1980. AlAbadi lived
in exile in London during the reign of Saddam Hussein.
While incumbent Nouri alMaliki seemed to hold power, the change of PM comes after the country
elected Faud Masum as its new president in July, 2014. However, for the nomination to take effect,
AlAbadi must form a government and be confirmed by Parliament, within 30 days.
Responding to the pressure coming from India and other nations, Switzerland has introduced key
changes in its local laws pertaining to assistance to foreign countries in their pursuit of
black money allegedly amassed in Swiss banks.
These amendments would allow India and other nations to make ‘group requests’ for information
about suspected black money stashers, while Swiss authorities would not give prior intimation to
suspected individuals or entities before exchanging their information. However, the burden would be
on India (or any other country making request) to prove that any prior intimation to the account
holders before information sharing would defeat the “purpose of the administrative assistance” and
the success of investigation would be impacted.
In one of the main bottlenecks to effective and timely sharing of information with foreign authorities
about suspected illegal account holders, the Swiss laws provide that the person concerned would be
prior intimated of any such international assistance and he or she is also given an opportunity to
appeal against this move and examine the files before being shared to the requesting country.
Although Switzerland has decided to hang on to these clauses in its amended Federal Act on
International Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, it has now introduced at least 10 amendments
in this Act to moderate its famed banking secrecy policies to improve its informationsharing
framework. However, the new Act clearly stipulates that the Swiss authorities would not consider a
request if “it constitutes a fishing expedition” or “if it violates the principle of good faith,
particularly if it is based on information obtained through a criminal offence under Swiss
law.”
][This would impede India’s endeavors to seek information on the socalled HSBC list, which
Switzerland alleges that Indian and other foreign authorities got into their hands after a former bank
employee stole data about customers.
As per a study conducted by anthropologists, the practice of aboriginal Martu people of Australia
which involves setting small grass fires to catch lizards has actually enhanced kangaroo
populations. The Martu people have been following this practice for at least 2000 years to expose
burrows dug by 2footlong sand monitor lizards, which they then drag from the holes, cook and eat.
The fires set by these people average about 10 acres. A researcher found such humanmade
disruption boosts kangaroo populations – showing how coevolution helped marsupials and made
Aborigines into unintentional conservationists.
It has been found that the same land becomes the breeding ground for different types of vegetation,
aiding kangaroos. For instance, the marsupials hide from predators such as dingoes in older bush
grass and consume shoots and fruits in areas of younger vegetation.
The findings, published online today in the journal Human Ecology, suggest that Australia might want
to encourage smallscale burning to bolster wildlife populations in certain areas. The study
concludes: “To be successful, management schemes should facilitate traditional burning and hunting
regimes in remote communities, and incorporate this traditional ecological practice into future
management protocols.”
NASA has announced that it will launch a new mission to Mars in 2020 named as Mars 2020 Rover
mission. The mission will endeavor to find out the potential habitability of the Mars environment, and
directly search for signs of prehistoric Martian life. This attempt if successful will facilitate future
manned missions.
The Mars 2020 rover mission is likely to be launched somewhere in July or August 2020, which will
make landing on the red planet after an eight to nine month journey in 2021. The mission will be
designed and managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The mission rover will be based on the design of the successful rover, Curiosity that is functioning
since it landed on the Mars in August 2012 and is a part of the NASA’s Mars Exploration Program.
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) spacecraft ‘Rosetta’ became the first spacecraft to
intercept and go into orbit around a comet. It is now in position to help researchers to begin
with their investigations into how the Solar System came into being.
ESA scientists brought Rosetta to within 100km of the comet – a 3km by 5km rock called 67P
ChuryumovGerasimenko – and put it in a stable orbit by reducing its speed with its thrusters. To
reach that point so far from the earth the spacecraft took around 10 years. Comets are considered to
be primitive building blocks of the Solar System, and relics of the formation of the planets. It also
believed that they provided Earth with both water and other essential ingredients which were
necessary for triggering the evolution of life.
Rosetta and 67P67P was first discovered in 1969 by Soviet astronomers Ivanovych
Churyumov and Svetlana Ivanova Gerasimenko.
Scientists hope that Rosetta will unravel the secrets of this early history. The spacecraft has been
named after the Rosetta Stone, the discovery of which in 1799 provided the key to translating
Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and Demotic script into Ancient Greek (and thus any other language).
It blasted off from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, in March 2004, for a long journey
involving loops around the Sun as it aimed to get onto the same orbit as 67P.
Rosetta has traversed over 6bn km, passing by Earth three times, Mars once, and flew by two
asteroids, using the gravitational pull of those bodies to change velocity and catch up with 67P.
The mission has some resemblance with Japan’s 2005 Hayabusa mission, which landed on an
asteroid named Itokawa. Its task was to lift out material from the asteroid’s surface, and return it to
Earth for study – those samples arrived in 2010, but its capture mechanism malfunctioned. It is still
uncertain if the capsule could successfully collect the asteroid rock fragments.
As per Hold Security – a US firm with expertise in spotting breaches, a Russian group of hackers
dubbed ‘CyberVor’ has stolen 1.2 billion usernames and passwords belonging to more than 500
million email addresses.
It claimed the hacked information belongs to over 420,000 websites, including many leaders in
virtually all companies across the globe. It revealed that the hackers targeted every site that their
victims visited. However the firm has not disclosed the names of those companies the accounts of
which have been compromised.
Surprisingly, it has posted a message on its site saying it will charge $120 (£71) a month for a breach
notification service. As claimed by Hold Security, the hackers also got access to data from “Botnets”
– a network of computers infected with malware, to set off online scam and helped the
hacking group identify more than 400,000 websites that were susceptible to cyber attacks.
The emergency committee of the World Health Organization has unanimously agreed to proclaim
the Ebola virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
As per the UN body, the possible outcomes of further international spread are particularly serious in
view of the mortality rate linked with the disease, the intensive community and health facility
transmission patterns, and the fragile health systems in the currently affected and most atrisk
countries.
As per WHO, the current Ebola outbreak began in Guinea in December 2013 and has since
spread to Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. As of August 4, 2014, 1,711 cases of the infection
have been reported and over 1,000 of which have been confirmed, and 932 deaths due to the virus
have occurred.
The WHO also released a list of recommendations for governments in affected nations. Among other
things, the organization suggested temporary bans on “mass gatherings” and exit screenings at
airports to examine people leaving countries hit by the virus.
China’s capital city Beijing which is battling with severe air pollution, particularly smog, has
announced plans to ban the use of coal by the end of year 2020. Beijing drew nearly 25% of its
energy consumption by using coal in 2012 and 22% of the fine particles floating in the capital’s air
were also the result of coal use. Besides coal, emissions from motor vehicles, industrial production
and general dust also contributed to pollution in the city. Even with the Beijing ban, coal use is likely to
increase in China.
Coalfired power and heating is a major contributor of greenhouse gases and has played a major role
in turning China into the world’s largest emitter of carbon and other greenhouse
gases. Pressure is mounting on China’s central government to clean up the country’s polluted
environment, as dissatisfaction over smog and water and soil contamination surges among China’s
growing middle class.
Recently, the central government listed environmental protection as one of the top criteria by which
leaders will be judged. In September 2013, the government announced a ban on new coalfired
power plants around Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
The Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa has emerged as a new medical challenge and poses a
serious threat to the rest of the African region and the world at large. Researchers are still trying to
ascertain the causes, key factors involved, and are also trying to forecast the future eruption and
movement of the virus.
The outbreak of the Ebola triggered with Ebola cases that turned up in Guinea, and subsequently
spread to the neighbouring countries of Liberia and Sierra Leone. This is particularly surprising as
until now, none of these three West African countries had ever experienced an Ebola outbreak, let
alone cases of a type of Ebola virus that had been detected only in distant Central Africa.
But, as per scientists, despite the image of Ebola as a virus that furtively and randomly emerges from
the forest, the sites of the cases are far from random. Scientists are of the view that the outbreak has
a connection with the travel patterns of bats across Africa and current weather patterns in the region,
as well as other factors.
Researchers have narrowed down to five potential reasons why this outbreak is so severe:
1. Involvement of deadliest type of Ebola virus: The Ebola virus has 5 species, and each species
has caused outbreaks in different regions. Surprisingly, instead of the Taï Forest Ebola virus,
which is found near Guinea, it was the Zaire Ebola virus that is involved in the current outbreak.
This virus was previously found only in three countries in Central Africa: the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo and Gabon. Zaire Ebola virus is
the deadliest type of Ebola virus — in previous outbreaks it showed a fatality rate of up to 90%
which means it kills 90 out of 100 people it infects. Scientists suspect bats to be the carrier of the
virus that migrated from Zaire to Guinea. It is also possible that the virus was actually in West
Africa before the current eruption, circulating in bats — and possibly even infected people but so
infrequently that it was never reported. Some preliminary investigation of blood samples gathered
from patients with other diseases before the outbreak indicates people in this region were
exposed to Ebola previously but the finding still needs more research.
2. Poorest countries getting affected: Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the world, which
has been ranked as low as 178 out of 187 nations on the United Nations’ Human Development
Index (HDI). Likewise, Liberia and Sierra Leone stand at 174th and 177th on the HDI respectively.
Because of prevalent poverty, they are inadequately equipped to counter an outbreak and lack
coordination to monitor people’s movements across regions.
3. Lack of good health care systems: A poor economy translates into weak health care systems
that are not ready to respond to an outbreak and lack even basic health resources. The hospitals
in the region do not have even basic medical needs like protective gloves, masks, clean needles
and disinfectants.
4. Poverty forcing people to move towards forests: Normally the animals carrying or infected
with the Ebola virus or other pathogens are not usually in the vicinity of humans, but rather deep in
the forests with little possibility of coming into contact with people. However, poverty is pushing the
people deeper into forest territories to search for resources.
5. Extremely dry season may have been the trigger: The first case of Ebola was reported in
Guinea in December 2013, at the start of the dry season. In other countries, too, outbreaks often
occur during the transition from the rainy to dry seasons, when conditions become drier sharply. It
is likely that drier conditions one way or another affect the number or proportion of bats infected
with the Ebola virus, or the frequency of human contact with them.
The US space agency NASA has decided to put MOXIE – Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment as one of
the payloads on the Mars 2020 rover mission. MOXIE will produce oxygen on MARS using the
Martian atmospheric Carbon Dioxide (CO2). NASA will launch the Mars 2020 rover mission in July
or August 2020. The conversion of CO2 into Oxygen will be beneficial for human respiration. The
oxygen can be used as an oxidizer for rocket fuel for return mission. If this experiment is successful it
will make future manned missions easier.
MOXIE is among the seven selected instruments that will be sent on Mars mission with a view to
determine the potential habitability of the Mars environment, and directly search for signs of early
Martian life.
With a view to exercise stern regulation on GM Crops, China’s Ministry of Agriculture has decided to
regulate the sales and growth of Genetically Modified (GM) crops in the country. As per the Ministry
of Agriculture, any firm or individual found transgressing regulations to grow or sell GM crops will be
punished strictly.
The decision comes close on the heels of a media publicizing the sale of GM rice at a supermarket in
Central China, which is prohibited in the country. The objective behind this measure is to prevent
illegal distribution of GM crops in the country.
China has authorized imports of GM soybeans and corns and certified the growth of various GM
crops including cotton, tomatoes, papayas and peppers. However, it has not allowed commercial
production or sale of GM crops.
Though, the ministry has given nod to experimental planting of two strains of insectresistant GM rice
in 2009, but the safety certificates for this experiment expire this year and commercial production is
yet take off. Grant of safety certificates on GM crops doesn’t mean autonomy of commercial
production.
China faces the challenge of providing adequate food to its billions of people. Its population is
continuously on the rise and its available land is gradually reducing leading to flat yield in the past
decade. Such longterm food security trends are worrying for the country. China’s decision to open
the doors of commercial production of GM crops can extenuate the worries. But, concerns over after
effects of GM crops persist.
The major reason behind such protective concern is the uncertainty on GM crops’ longterm risks on
environment and humans.
Status of GM crops in India
Indian government has approved commercialization of only one GM crop i.e. Bt Cotton. However,
there are various GM crops that are in pipeline and are under development and field trials. The crops
include brinjal, corn, tomato, rice and groundnut. The success of field trials of GM crops will pave
the way for commercialization of GM crops in the country.
However, Indian government is still in quandary over the issue of commercialization of GM
crops. Major concerns related to this are:
GM is a costintensive technology, which is not suitable for small farmers in India.
There is a dearth of sufficient infrastructure and tools required for testing of GM crops in India
India has a weak regulatory framework of GM crops.
Parupalli Kashyap created history as he clinched Gold in the men’s singles badminton at 20th
Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow, Scotland. With his gold medal, the country earned
a fifthspot finish with 64 medals, including 15 gold. He created history by becoming the first
Indian male shuttler in 32 years to win a gold in the Commonwealth Games. Kashyap put up
brilliant show to register triumph over Derek Wong of Singapore in the final showdown. The shuttler
from Hyderabad thus joined badminton legend Prakash Padukone and the late Syed Modi, who had
won the title in the past. While Padukone had won the men’s singles gold medal at the 1978
Commonwealth Games in Canada, Modi bagged it four years later. Commonwealth Toppers:
1. England
2. Australia
3. Canada
4. Scotland
5. India
The XXI Commonwealth Games will be held in Gold Coast City, Queensland, Australia between 4
to 15 April 2018. The Gold Coast’s creative concept in the Ceremony brought to life the three brand
pillars of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games – ‘The Place’, ‘The Event’ and ‘The Sport’.
The ongoing IsraelGaza conflict has taken a toll on ancient Omari Mosque in Jabaliya. The Israeli
attack has completely destroyed the mosque on August 2, 2014 during Operation Protective Edge,
part of the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict.
The Omari Mosque is the part of rich cultural heritage of Gaza and was built in 700 AD. It is also
known as the Great Mosque of Gaza is the largest and oldest mosque in the Gaza Strip, located in
Gaza’s old city. It is believed that the mosque stands on the site of an old Philistine temple and the
th
Byzantines used the site to build a church in the fifth century, but after the Muslim conquest in the 7th
century, it was transformed into a mosque.
British parliament’s House of Commons has agreed to hold a special debate on the state of human
rights in Kashmir.
British MP David Ward informed the backbench business committee that “ongoing Kashmir dispute
a threat to regional and global peace” and that the new Indian government has been “quite
aggressive in terms of its stance towards Kashmir” which was “opening up a whole new area of
uncertainty”.
Ward also informed that he had the support of 40 MPs who would like Westminster to hold a debate
on the human rights violations in Kashmir.
Though a formal date for the debate has not been decided as yet, Britain’s decision to agree for a
debate on Kashmir hasn’t been well received by Friends of India and Southeast Asian thinktanks.
They said “Why should Kashmir be discussed in the parliament when Britain has always been of the
view that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan?”
Ward informed that “Kashmir has been a constant source of misery over many years to many people.
In the region of 500,000 to 600,000 Indian Army troops are in the area on a permanent basis. It is an
area of tension and some 500,000 people have died there in the past 60 or so years”.
Ward who represents Bradford East in the British parliament also cited what he called the
“uncertainty about article 370”.
Ward expressed concerns that the members of the new India government are talking about the
abrogation of Article 370 which grants special status to Jammu & Kashmir. He sought a debate on a
motion from a petition that has been signed by 40 MPs, 10 MEPs and also 50,000 members of the
public.
The petition says that “the ongoing Kashmir dispute is a threat to regional and global peace; further
that the dispute is causing insecurity, instability and human rights violations; and further that the state
of Jammu & Kashmir should be given the right to selfdetermination”.
Researchers have found substantial evidence to explain why the Sun’s outer atmosphere is much
hotter than its surface.
As per scientists, ‘Nanoflares’ – a continuous infusion of impulsive bursts of heating, none of which
can be individually detected – is behind the production of the extra heat.
The photosphere, the visible surface of the Sun, is around 6,000 Kelvins, while the corona reaches
temperatures which are 300 times more than the photosphere.
NASA’s EUNIS (Extreme Ultraviolet Normal Incidence Spectrograph) rocket, equipped with a very
sensitive spectrograph gathered information about the Sun about how much material is present at a
given temperature by recording different wavelengths of light.
EUNIS flew up nearly 321 km above the ground aboard a sounding rocket and gathered about
collected observations from above the planet’s air.
It scanned a region on the Sun known to be magnetically complex, also termed active region, which
can often be the source of larger flares and coronal mass ejections.
Several theories have been offered for how the magnetic energy coursing through the corona is
converted into the heat that raises the temperature.
The EUNIS spectrograph was tuned into a range of wavelengths useful for locating material at
temperatures of 10 million Kelvin – temperatures that are a key characteristic of nanoflares.
Scientists have conjectured that infinite number of nanoflares could heat up solar material in the
atmosphere to temperatures of up to 10 million Kelvins. This material would cool very rapidly,
producing ample solar material at the 1 to 3 million degrees regularly seen in the corona. However,
the faint presence of that extremely hot material should remain.
The EUNIS team studied the data from the rocket and found a wavelength of light indicating
presence of 10 million degree material.
Enhancing the reach of its firepower, China’s has unveiled the sophisticated InterContinental
Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which has a range of 12,000 kms, placing it among the world’s longest
range missiles.
The existence of a new generation of Chinese ICBM, the Dongfeng41 (DF41) missile, was
indirectly revealed by a Chinese Government environmental monitoring file. It is widely speculated
that the DF41 missiles will be capable of carrying three nuclear warheads. The next generation
missile is also likely to have better mobility as the launchers can cross more complicated terrain, and
have better survivability in the event of a first strike. It would also have stronger penetration abilities
and faster response times.
NASA recently revealed its plan for a comprehensive Mars mission in 2020. It will send a rover to the
Red Planet for conducting an unprecedented detailed study of the planet. The mission will carry
seven key payloads including SHERLOCScanning Habitable Environments with Raman &
Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals.
SHERLOCis a spectrometer that will carry out finescale imaging and will use an ultraviolet (UV) laser
to determine finescale mineralogy and detect organic compounds. It will conduct complementary
measurements with other instruments. It is the first UV Raman spectrometer that will land on the
surface of Mars.
Mars 2020 rover mission will attempt to determine the potential habitability of the Mars environment,
and directly search for signs of ancient Martian life.
NASA released a list mentioning payloads to be sent on the new Mars Rover 2020 mission by the
end of year 2020.
The Mars 2020 rover’s framework will be based on the design of the Curiosity rover currently
operational on Mars, but with a significant upgrade in hardware.
NASA plans to install seven payloads onto the rover. The mission’s goal is to find out how life can be
sustained by using what is available in the Martian environment to prepare for future manned
missions on the red planet. The most important is how oxygen can be generated for respiration and
as oxidizers for rocket fuel.
The rover will perform geological and atmospheric survey that is expected to enhance our
understanding of both the present and the past of Mar’s geological landscape. The rover is also
designed to store rock and soil samples for future retrieval by a manned mission.
The Seven Payloads are:
1. MastcamZ : From Arizona State University, it is an advanced camera system with panaromic
view, zoom and stereoscopic vision. The cameras are based on Curiosity’s current equipment, but
with upgraded technology. The zoom in particular is expected to be useful for target selection and
rover navigation. These cameras will function as main eyes of the rover.
2. SuperCam: From France, it is an imaging sensor that will analyze chemical compounds and
minerals. It has a laser to determine the elemental composition of any compound from 20 feet
distance.
1. MEDA or Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer: From Spain, it is a pack of sensors to
measure atmospheric conditions. The sensors will measure temperature, wind speed, pressure,
relative humidity and dust size and shape. It will also measure solar radiation cycles.
1. RIMFAX or Radar Imager for Mars’ Subsurface Exploration: From Norway, it is a radar system
that will plow into the ground and provide subsurface structure data.
2. PIXL or Planetary Instrument for Xray Lithochemistry: From NASA, it is an Xray fluorescence
spectrometer and hires imager for determining elemental composition of the surface of Mars.
3. MOXIE or The Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment : From Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it
is an experiment with an objective to produce oxygen from Martian carbon dioxide. The Martian
atmosphere comprises about 96% carbon dioxide, and the MOXIE device can turn it into pure
oxygen and carbon monoxide. Data from this experiment will help researchers design instruments
capable of generating oxygen on Mars.
1. SHERLOC or Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics
and Chemicals: From NASA, it is a spectrometer equipped with a UV laser for finding organic
compounds and other minerals. This is the first time a Raman spectrometer will be sent to the
Martian surface.
Robert Frederick Panara (94), the pioneer of deaf studies passed away in Rochester, US. Robert
was an author, a poet, a professor who later went on to become the first deaf teacher within the
mainstream Higher Education in the US. He helped translate Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Hamlet and
Othello into sign language. His wife Shirley Fischer was also deaf. Both used sign language to
communicate.
Panars’s key contributions and achievements:
In 1965, Panara helped establishing America’s first Technical college for the deaf, National Technical
Institute for Deaf (NTID). NTID was set up by an act of US Congress and is a part of the Rochester
Institute of Technology. He also helped in the foundation of the Connecticutbased National Theatre
of the Deaf. In 1948, Panara became the first deaf person to get a Master’s degree in English from
New York University.
The Punjab Government has agreed to the Ghana Government’s proposal offering land to Punjab
farmers. As per the proposal, the government of Ghana would provide fertile farmland on a longterm
lease to Punjab farmers for farm activities. Ghana has made this proposal to promote agriculture
as a tool of progress in Ghana and if possible then by Punjab’s expertise in farming.
Punjab Government has assured Ghana that a highlevel delegation of officers as well as an expert
from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, would be sent to Ghana to study the
suitability of the entire project.
Ghana also offered Punjab to export finished goods to Ghana. It has invited Punjabi entrepreneurs to
visit Ghana to start manufacturing facilities in the country and take advantage of Ghana’s natural
resources like various minerals, timber, oil, cocoa, palm oil fish and cotton.
As per a scientific study, Bumblebees select most nutritious flowers for providing best food for their
young simply by looking at the colour of the petals even before landing on the flower. As bees do
not ingest pollen unlike nectar while foraging on flowers, it has been unclear whether they are able to
form associative relationships between what a flower looks like and the quality of its pollen. The
study used bumblebee foragers housed under controlled conditions to test whether they do learn
about flowers during pollen collection.
The findings showed that bumblebees can individually evaluate pollen samples and
differentiate between them during collection, quickly forming preferences for a particular
type of pollen. They are able to detect differences in pollen, even before landing, which means they
may be able to discriminate, just from the colour of the petals, which flowers are richer in nutritious
content.
The average life expectancy of Japanese women increased to 86.61 years in 2013, up from 86.41
the previous year, making them the world’s longestlived females for the second consecutive year.
Japanese men’s lifespan rose above 80 for the first time in 2013.
A Japanese infant born in 2013 can be expected to live 80.21 years, up from 79.94 years in
2012. Women in Hong Kong held the second spot on the longevity list, whose life expectancy rose to
86.57 in 2013. Japanese men positioned 4th fourth on the longevity list of the world’s 50 major
countries and regions behind Hong Kong, Iceland and Switzerland. Hong Kong’s average male
life expectancy was 80.87. However, Japan’s ageing population is a serious issue for policymakers
who have to find solutions to ensure that the declining pool of workers can pay for the increasing
number of pensioners.
Japan’s population contracted for the third consecutive year, with the aged comprising around 1/4th of
the total population for the first time. The proportion of people aged 65 or over is estimated to reach
nearly 40% of the population in 2060.
European Space Agency (ESA) satellite ‘Gaia’, the billion star surveyor, launched in 2013, has
reached its intended location 1.5 million kilometers from Earth and is ready to start operation.
Gaia’s work will include:
Surveying a billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy to develop the most precise 3D map ever.
To track thousands of exoplanets, comets, asteroids, failed stars, exploding stars and even
quasars.
Scanning each of the billion stars for an average of 70 times each over five years which means 40
million observations per day.
Measuring key physical properties of each star, including its brightness, temperature and chemical
composition.
By the end of its fiveyear mission, Gaia would have gathered 1 Petabyte (1 million Gigabytes).
President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma proclaimed a public health emergency in Sierra Leone
to control the deadly Ebola outbreak. Ebola has so far caused death of around 233 in Sierra Leone.
According to the UN data, 729 people in West Africa have died of Ebola since February 2014. The
spread of the virus is now the largest recorded in world history, and has infected three African
capitals of Monrovia (Liberia), Freetown (Sierra Leone) and Conakry (Guinea) with international
airports. The head of the WHO and leaders of West African countries affected by the Ebola outbreak
decided to announce a new $100million response plan.
The seriousness of the Ebola and the continuous threat it poses, required WHO and Guinea, Liberia
and Sierra Leone to take up the response plan. The plan will necessitate increased resources, in
country medical expertise, regional preparedness and coordination.
About deadly Ebola virus (EBOV)
Order: Mononegavirales.
Family: Filoviridae.
Genus: Ebolavirus.
Causes an extremely severe disease in humans and in nonhuman primates in the form of viral
hemorrhagic fever.
Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF) is a viral haemorrhagic fever and one of the most virulent
viral diseases known to humankind.
Distinct strains of the Ebola virus: Bundibugyo, Ivory Coast, Reston, Sudan and Zaire
Fruit bats are considered to be virus’ natural host. Transmission to humans can come from wild
animals or from direct contact from infected human blood, feces or sweat, or by sexual contact
and the unprotected handling of contaminated corpses
Signs and symptoms: Severe fever and muscle pain, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea. Then,
organs shut down, causing unstoppable bleeding.
Between two and 21 days after becoming infected, patients begin to feel weak and experience
headaches, muscle aches and chills. They lose their appetite and feel lethargic, suffering from
stomach cramps, diarrhea and nausea. A socalled hemorrhagic fever sets in, accompanied by
severe internal bleeding. This condition affects the gastrointestinal tract, spleen and lungs,
eventually leading to the death.
The virus is called ‘a molecular shark’ in health publications.
According to the World Health Organization, the deadly fever has a fatality rate of up to 90 %.
No cure or vaccine for the virus.
Occurs mostly in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rain forests.
The world’s first malaria vaccine— RTS,S created by pharma company GSK, is expected to hit the
markets by 2015. GSK has submitted a regulatory application to the European Medicines Agency
(EMA) for its malaria vaccine candidate, RTS,S.
Application of RTS,S:
The vaccine will be uses exclusively against the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite, which is
widespread in SubSaharan Africa (SSA). As per estimates, around 90% deaths from malaria occur in
SSA, and 77% of these are in children under the age of 5.
To support the efficacy of the vaccine, data from the phase III vaccine trial programme conducted at
13 African research centres in eight African countries (Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi,
Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tanzania) including over 16,000 infants and young children have also
been included to the filing. A largescale Phase III trial showed that over 18 months of followup,
children aged 517 months at first vaccination with RTS,S reported 46% fewer cases of clinical
malaria, compared to children immunised with a placebo.
An average of 941 cases of clinical malaria were prevented over 18 months of followup for every
1,000 children vaccinated in this age group. Malaria hospitalisations came down by 42%.
How RTS,S works?
The vaccine triggers the body’s immune system to protect against the P falciparum malaria parasite
when it first enters the human host’s bloodstream and/or when the parasite infects liver cells. The
vaccine is developed to prevent the parasite from infecting, maturing and multiplying in the liver, after
which time the parasite would reenter the bloodstream and infect red blood cells, leading to disease
symptoms.
GSK has pledged to sell the vaccine at cost price plus 5%, which it said would finance further
research into tropical diseases. Now EMA will evaluate the vaccine as per Article 58 procedure, which
allows the body to assess the quality, safety and efficacy of a candidate vaccine, or medicine,
manufactured in a European Union (EU) member state, for a disease recognised by the World Health
Organisation as of major public health interest, but intended exclusively for use outside the EU.
This assessment is conducted by the EMA in collaboration with the WHO, and necessitates products
to meet the same benchmarks as vaccines or medicines intended for use in the EU. As per WHO, if
the EMA approves the vaccine, a policy recommendation may be possible by end of 2015. A positive
opinion from the EMA would also be the basis for marketing authoritization applications to National
Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) in SSA nations.
The US has taken exception to India’s level of protection provided to Intellectual Property as it
brought the “Special 301 Report” for the year 2014 which classifies India as a “Priority watch list
country”. The reports mentions US concerns based on the information provided by the US industry
on their perception of the level of protection provided by India to Intellectual Property.
Key issues in the report include:
Concerns over the provision of Section 3(d) of the Patent Act which relates to non
patentability of inventions involving chemical forms that do not show increased efficacy
Issue of Compulsory License by the Controller General of Patent, Designs and Trademarks
under section 84 of the Patents Act
Inclusion of a statement relating to Compulsory License for green technologies in India’s National
Manufacturing Policy and challenges relating to enforcement of IP Rights.
Section 3(d) of the Indian Patent Act 1970 (as amended in 2005) prohibits grant of patent to
inventions involving new forms of a known substance unless it differs significantly in properties with
regard to efficacy. Thus preventing evergreening of patents. The US pharma companies are
opposed to this Act.
The “Special 301” process is a unilateral step taken by the US under their Trade Act, 1974 to put
pressure on countries to enhance Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection beyond the TRIPS
pact. It is an extra territorial application of the domestic law of a country and is not reasonable under
the overall WTO regime.
India has a sound legislative, administrative and judicial framework to protect IPRs which meets its
obligations under the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement while making
use of the flexibilities provided in the international regime to address its developmental concerns.
Scientists have warned that increasing levels of water vapour in the upper troposphere – a key
intensifier of global warming – owing to greenhouse gases will amplify climate change impacts
over the next decades.
Scientists at University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science conducted
the first study to confirm that human activities have increased water vapour in the upper
troposphere. To find out the potential causes of a 30year moistening trend in the upper troposphere,
a region 37 miles above the earth’s surface, they measured water vapour in the upper troposphere
collected by NOAA satellites. They showed that rising water vapour in the upper troposphere
cannot be explained by natural forces such as volcanoes and changes in solar activity but
by increased greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases contribute immensely in raising temperatures by trapping the earth’s radiant heat
inside the atmosphere. This warming also increases the buildup of atmospheric water vapour, the
most abundant greenhouse gas. The moistening of the atmosphere traps more radiant heat and
contributes in amplifying greenhouse effect.
The study explains with the help of climate models that as the climate warms from the burning of
fossil fuels, the concentrations of water vapour in the atmosphere will also increase due to that
warming which result into trapping of more heat and further increases the Earth’s temperature.
In a sharp contrast to the 100,000 tigers that once lived in the wild a century ago, the number now
has reduced to just 3,200. This was revealed by a latest report released by the World Wide Fund
(WWF).
WWF has also expressed their willingness to assist the conservation efforts being made by the 13
tigerrange countries – India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam – which in 2010 set the target of
doubling of wild tiger population by 2022.
The report which coincided with the International Tiger Day on July 29 warns that the largest of all the
Asian big cats could go extinct in the wild mainly due to poaching and habitat destruction.
WWF considers ‘poaching’ as the biggest threat to wild tigers since their parts are used for
traditional medicine, folk remedies, and increasingly as a status symbol among some Asian
cultures.
Affairs Today
India’s Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG) took charge as Member of the United Nations
Board of Auditors for a sixyear term upto June 2020. Mr. Shashi Kant Sharma assumed this
prestigious office as he took over from Mr. Liu Jiayi, the Auditor General of the People’s Republic of
China at the United Nations Headquarters at New York. Mr. Sharma was elected to this position
defeating Philippines by a convincing margin of 62 votes in November 2013.
United Nations Board of Auditors
The United Nations Board of Auditors was established by the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) to audit the accounts of the United Nations Organization and its funds and programmes and
to report its findings and recommendations to the UNGA. For this, 3 members were appointed by the
Assembly, each of whom must be the AuditorGeneral of a Member State. Other two members of the
Board are Mr. Amyas Morse, Comptroller and Auditor General, United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland and Mr. Ludovick Utouh, Controller and AuditorGeneral of United Republic of
Tanzania.
C&AG’s international presence
India’s C&AG has been the external auditor of various international organizations. At
present, besides being a Member of the UN Board of Auditors, he is the external auditor of the World
Food Programme, World Intellectual Property Organization, International Atomic Energy
Agency, UN World Tourism Organization and the International Organization for
Migration. Recently, he has been the external auditor of major UN Agencies like the World Health
Organization, Food and Agricultural Organization, International Maritime Organization, Organization
for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons etc.
Benefits for India
The UN Board of Auditors is one of the major supervising organs of the United Nations and its
significance has increased in recent years, especially in view of the resource shortage being faced by
all Member Nations in the wake of economic crisis. The reports of the Board provide a key input in
policymaking within the UN system. The election of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India to
the UN Board of Auditors is a matter of prestige for the country and would greatly enhance the
visibility of India within the UN system.
Unlike most elections in the UN and its Agencies, this election was a rare case where an institution
was involved. With the election of the C&AG of India as a member of the UN Board of Auditors, one
of the most prestigious institutions of Indian democracy got its due recognition at the international
level.
By auditing international organizations of the UN system, not only would the C&AG add value to the
operations of UN, but its own officers would also be further exposed to the best international auditing
and accounting practices leading to enrichment of their professional skills. Deploying of such
professionals in India would translate into high quality of auditing and accounting and would promote
accountability, transparency and good governance in India.
Benefits for United Nations
The auditors of the C&AG of India bring in rich experience they have in the audit of UN and its
Agencies and other International Organizations, which would assist the UN in bringing about greater
efficiency, economy and effectiveness in its operations by focussing their audit thrust on key risk
areas within the UN.
At present, the UN is in the process of business process transformation by way of shifting to
International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) for financial reporting and introduction
of a SAP based Enterprise Resource Planning solution. C&AG of India has a pool of audit
professionals specialising in IPSAS, who have assisted World Health Organization (WHO),
International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) in their
ongoing migration to an IPSAS compliant financial accounting system. Similarly, C&AG of India is
known for its expertise in the audit of IT systems. India’s twin strengths in IPSAS and auditing ERP
systems would bring immense value to the United Nations in its ongoing migration to IPSAS and
implementation of its SAP system, UMOJA.
Credentials of C&AG
With a history over 150 years, the institution of the C&AG of India is regarded as one of the strongest
pillars of India’s democratic governance. It is one of the largest Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) in
the world, with a large human resource pool which is professionally qualified in diverse fields.
Highly respected in the international community of Supreme Audit Institutions, the CAG of India chairs
the Knowledge Sharing Committee – one of the four major Committees of International Organization
of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) besides being a member of a number of other standards
setting committees/subcommittees. He is on the Governing Board of INTOSAI. He is member of the
UN Panel of External Auditors. The CAG also chairs the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit
Institutions (ASOSAI). Due to his active participation in these international forums, the CAG is closely
linked with activities in establishing standards, best practices and guidance in various fields of audit
for use by the SAI community in general.
According to the researches at Oxford University, less than 9.5% of human DNA is functional. This is
in contrast to the hitherto presumed theory that 80% of the human genome is of some biological
importance.
The study uncovers that at present, a total of 8.2% (7.1 – 9.2%) of the human genome is functional.
This figure is more than three times as much than is functional and shared between human and
mouse. And even within that small percentage, some DNA can be found that performs more
significant functions.
This finding contradicts another figure arrived at in 2012, when participants of the ENCODE
(Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) project found that 80% of the human genome has some
biochemical function.
There is a debate on the biochemical definition of “function”as many are of view that a DNA activity
occurs does not mean it has a biological significance, the activity itself should have importance.
The foundation stone of the new definition proposed in the study is the ability of evolution to
differentiate the sheep from the goats or we can say to unearth which activities matter and which do
not.
As per scientists, throughout the evolution of various species from their common ancestors,
mutations arise in the DNA and natural selection counteracts these alterations to preserve useful
DNA sequences.
Except the functional DNA, the rest of our genome – over 90% seems to be residual evolutionary
material, which is often termed “junk” DNA. But it doesn’t mean that it is garbage. As per
researchers, this junk part might be useful one day.
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has resigned from the office. This means that Ukraine
will have fresh elections that would mirror the country’s changed political picture after the ouster of
proRussian President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014.
Yatsenyuk, an advocate of closer relationship with Europe and a key participant in the protests that
ousted Yanukovych, made the announcement after two parties said they would withdraw their
support to the governing coalition.
The newly elected President Petro Poroshenko, praised the withdrawal of the two parties.
Poroshenko’s calls for political renewal indicate that the resignation and new polls are the result of
planning and political maneuvering, not chaos.
Yatsenyuk had assumed the PM office just five months back supported by a coalition of pro
European parties. They took power after Yanukovych was driven from office by months of street
protests on Kiev’s Independence Square, or Maidan.
The protests triggered over Yanukovych’s denial to sign a sweeping trade pact with the European
Union, but aggravated to include wider grievances such as the government’s attempts to crush the
protests with riot police, corruption, and lack of progress in modernizing the economy.
The current Parliament was originally dominated by Yanukovych supporters in the proRussian Party
of Regions. That group has reduced through defections and its members face an uncertain future in
fresh upcoming polls.
After assuming office, Yatsenyuk was to run a government almost insolvent and facing the likelihood
of taking up unpopular measures to fulfill conditions to get loans sanctioned from the International
Monetary Fund. It succeeded in getting the IMF bailout.
The government faces tensions with Russia which termed Yanukovych’s ouster a coup, seized
Ukraine’s Crimea region and cut off natural gas supplies in a price dispute.
It has also combated a proRussian insurgency in which rebels armed with heavy weapons have
seized public buildings and battled government troops. Russia denies supporting the rebels.
The nationalist Svoboda party and the Udar party led by former boxer Vitali Klitschko withdrew their
support from Yatsenyuk’s coalition.
In the wake of the Malaysian Airplane MH17 crash that happened over eastern Ukraine recently,
European Union has extended the sanctions on Russia. The imposition of sanctions on Russia was
started with the country’s annexation of Crimea in eastern Ukraine in February 2014.
The Committee of Permanent Representatives of the European Union (EU) approved the sanctions
during a meeting held in Brussels, Belgium.
The extended sanctions include names of 15 individuals and 18 firms from Russia and Ukraine.
These names have been added to the existing list of 72 individuals and two companies against whom
visa bans and asset freezes have been imposed.
The high profile names include the head of the Russian Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov
and Sergei Beseda, head of the FSB department that supervises international operations and
intelligence activity. The names of four members of Russia’s Security Council have also been added
to the list.
The US has clarified that the annual IndiaUS bilateral “Malabar” naval exercise which started in
the Asia Pacific region is not aimed at containing China and that the exercise would strengthen the
US naval presence in the Pacific Ocean region and maritime partnership with its allies.
The exercise this year has Japan as a special invitee. China had in the past raised objections
over Japan’s taking part in the wargames held mainly between US and India. The last drill involving
Japan was held in 2009. As per the US, the participating nations are working with specific training
drills such as communication, search and rescue, helicopter cross deck evolutions and anti
submarine welfare.
Over 7,000 American defence personnel are participating in the exercise. The US battleships
participating in the drill includes nuclearpowered aircraft carrier USS George Washington,
Ticonderogaclass destroyer USS Shiloh, Arleigh Burkeclass destroyer John S McCain and nuclear
submarine USS Columbus. P3 Orion aircraft and MH60R helicopters will also be part of this
exercise.
India is participating with its three warships—INS Ranvijay and Shivalik along with fleet support tanker
ship INS Shakti.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony that witnessed
some enchanting performances by singers Rod Stewart, Susan Boyle and violinist Nicola Benedetti at
the Celtic Park, Glasgow (Scotland). The British Queen Elizabeth II declared the Games open after
the enthralling opening ceremony that was participated by some 2,000 cast members and 4,500
athletes from 71 countries and territories. Albeit there are 53 members of the Commonwealth of
Nations, 71 teams participate in the Commonwealth Games, as a number of dependent territories
compete under their own flag.
The players’ parade was led by India, by the virtue of being the previous hosts. London Olympics
silver medallist Vijay Kumar led the Indian contingent as he proudly carried the tricolour.
The Commonwealth Games (known as the British Empire Games from 1930–1950, the British
Empire and Commonwealth Games from 1954–1966, and British Commonwealth Games from
1970–1974) is an international, multisport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of
Nations. Only six teams have attended every Commonwealth Games: Australia, Canada, England,
New Zealand, Scotland, and Wales.
The Council of Representatives of Iraq (Iraqi Parliament) in Baghdad elected Muhammad Fuad
Masum of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party as the seventh President of Iraq. He got 211
votes in his favor and 17 votes against.
Masum is the second nonArab President of Iraq after Jalal Talabani who founded the PUK party and
is the current President of Iraq. He had been almost guaranteed the job after Kurdish parties struck a
latenight deal to support him. Under an unofficial powersharing deal, Iraq’s Kurds traditionally get
the post of president.
Iraq is at present facing an existential threat, which can be overcome by formation of a fully inclusive
government and the move could pave the way for a deal on the much more powerful post of prime
minister. The president has got 14 days to nominate the PM candidate of the largest bloc in
parliament.
The World Bank will provide financial support of $1518 billion to India over the next 3 years to help
speed up economic growth and reduce poverty.
As per World Bank group president Jim Yong Kim who was on a visit to India, the Indian government
has laid out a comprehensive plan to reduce poverty and regain over 9% GDP growth. He was
impressed by the Modi government’s commitment to speed up growth. He assured Indian
government that the World Bank Group will bring to bear all possible knowledge and financing to
assist them in achieving this goal. India is the largest beneficiary of the World Bank’s financial
assistance with a current portfolio of 85 projects having a commitment of $24.12 billion. This includes
$12.86 billion aid from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD),
$11.16 billion in active projects from the International Development Association (IDA).
India also accounts for the largest single portfolio exposure of the International Finance Corporation
(IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, with commitments over $4.5 billion.
India voted in support of a UN Human Rights Council resolution to begin an investigation of Israel’s
offensive on Gaza.
In the 47member council, 29 countries which also included other BRICS member voted in support of
the Palestiniandrafted resolution on “Ensuring Respect for international law in The Occupied
Palestinian Territories, including East Jersusalem” while 17 others abstained from voting.
The U.S. was the only country to vote against the resolution. European nations abstained.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has resulted in a large number of civilian
casualties and heavy damage to property. Over 680 Palestinians and 31 Israelis have been killed in
the conflict so far.
India has asked Israel and Palestine to exercise political will to agree to a ceasefire and to resume
negotiations for a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue.
The flagship carrier of the East African nation of Ethiopia has named its newest Boeing 787
Dreamliner after India’s most famous monument the “Taj Mahal”. The air carrier hopes that it will
strengthen already established ties with India with increasing number of Indian travellers.
This is the first time that the airline has named an aircraft of its Dreamliner fleet after a
historical or heritage site outside of Africa.
To meet the demand from the Indian market, Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has decided to operate big
sized aircraft connecting Ethiopian capital.
Over 13 million people travel out of India every year. Hence, with its large African network, ET hopes
that it will be in a position to benefit from the heavy tourism business from India and the large number
of those travelling across the region.
ET, which currently operates daily flights to New Delhi and twice daily to Mumbai, is also interested in
operating from other Indian destinations like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi and
Thiruvananthapuram.
ET is the first African carrier to induct Boeing’s new stateoftheart airplane into regular service in
Africa. Ethiopian is also a member of the Star Alliance.
Taking a significant step towards combating the black money menace, the Parisbased
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) unveiled ‘single global
standard’ for automatic exchange of financial account information between jurisdictions.
To enable automatic exchange of financial account information pertaining to tax issues, the new
standard makes it mandatory for the financial institutions, including banks, brokers and fund houses
to collect necessary details from their clients and submit the same to their respective regulators on an
annual basis.
The new Standard provides for annual automatic exchange between governments in the field of
financial account information. The financial account information includes balances, interest,
dividends, and sales proceeds from financial assets which are reported to governments by financial
institutions. It also includes accounts held by individuals and entities, including trusts and foundations.
The new framework also provides confidentiality clause and safeguards in the exchange of
information. For this the countries will need to approve domestic laws according to their respective
legal jurisdictions to facilitate such cooperation.
As per this framework, each competent authority needs to notify the other competent authority
immediately regarding any violation of confidentiality or failure of safeguards and any sanctions and
remedial actions consequently imposed.
The framework will be formally presented by the OECD the G20 Finance Ministers at their meeting in
Cairns, Australia, in September 2014.
More than 65 nations and jurisdictions have already publicly committed to implementation of the new
framework, while more than 40 have committed to a specific and ambitious timetable leading to the
first automatic information exchanges in 2017. Those having already committed to follow this global
protocol include the US, the UK, Germany, European Union, Japan, Singapore, China,
Luxembourg, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Bermuda, Isle of Man,
Greece and Liechtenstein.
Importance in India’s context
The development assumes significance in case of India, as it has been facing difficulties in fetching
information on cases of suspected tax evasion from other countries, especially Switzerland, which
has been maintaining that such details cannot be provided without specific proof of financial
irregularities by the concerned Indian client of Swiss banks.
An initial framework was released by OECD in this regard earlier this year and India became one of
the first adopters of this global convention. Later, Switzerland also agreed to conform to this
Standard, while a few more nations have now expressed their willingness to adopt the same and
these include Mauritius — another country with which India has been working on a revised bilateral
treaty due to concerns of money laundering.
India bagged their first Test victory at the historic Lord’s in nearly three decades as they rode on
Ishant Sharma’s inspired spell of fast bowling to flatten England by 95 runs and take a 10 lead in the
five match series being played in England.
The tall pacer, whose consistency has always been questioned, played a pivotal role as he grabbed a
careerbest 7 for 74 to bowl out the home team for a 223 chasing a competitive victory target of 319.
It took 28 long years for India to win a Test match at the ‘Home of Cricket’ after ‘Kapil Dev’s team
achieved the feat back in June 1986 winning by five wickets.
The victory also marked Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s first major victory as Test captain outside the sub
continent. The last time India won a Test match outside the South Asian region was back in 2011
when they defeated West Indies in a 10 series win.
Contrary to the efforts across the globe to curb child labour, Bolivia has become the first nation to
legalize it from age 10. Country’s Congress approved the legislation, and VicePresident Alvaro
Garcia inked it into law in the absence of President Evo Morales, who was travelling.
As per the supporters and sponsors of bill, lowering the minimum work age from 14 simply
acknowledges a reality: Many poor families in Bolivia have no other choice than for their kids
to work. The bill also stipulates safeguards for working children.
Under the legislation, 10yearolds will be able to work as long as they are under parental supervision
and also attend school. The minimum age for a child to work under a contract has been set at 12.
They also would have to attend school.
The legislation is also in support of the unionized young workers who marched on Congress to
prevent it from ratifying a lower limit of work age of 14.
Even as the Philippines was trying to recover from the destruction caused by super typhoon Haiyan
last year, another typhoon Rammasun smashed large parts of the Philippines killing one person and
forcing hundreds of thousands to take shelter in evacuation centres. Typhoon Rammasun (also
known as Glenda) hit south of Manila on the Philippine island of Luzon before moving west toward
China’s Hainan Island.
Sustained wind speeds were estimated at over 230 kilometers per hour, making Rammasun a
Category 4 storm (and just short of being officially classified a “super typhoon”). Rammasun, which
is Thai for “God of Thunder”, is now heading into the South China Sea and is likely to hit South
China.
The Philippines was recently hit by Super Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013 and devastated Samar
and adjoining Leyte island, killing up to 7300 people in one of the nation’s worst natural disasters.
In a tragic and shocking incident, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17/MAS17), a commercial aircraft
on its scheduled flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, crashed in east Ukraine.
It is suspected to have been shot down with a BUK surfacetoair missile. The aircraft crashed near
Hrabove (area under military control of Donbass People’s Militia) in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine about 40
km (25 miles) from the Ukraine–Russia border.All 283 passengers and 15 crew on board the Boeing
777200ER airliner died.
The aircraft crashed in the conflict zone of the ongoing Donbass rebellion, in the area controlled by
proRussian rebel groups. A BUK missile smashed the plane at an altitude of 10,000 m (33,000 ft).
The BUK missile system is a class of selfpropelled, mediumrange surfacetoair missile systems
developed by the Soviet Union and its successor state, the Russian Federation, and designed to
counter cruise missiles, smart bombs, fixed and rotarywing aircraft, and UAVs.
The business leaders of G20 countries held a meeting named Business 20 (B20) Australia Summit
in Sydney. They issued a blueprint for G20 leaders to boost economic and job growth and make
global economy more resilient to deal with any future impacts. The summit was chaired by Richard
Goyder, Managing Director and CEO of Wesfarmers.
The Business 20 (B20) is a forum through which the private sector brings forth policy
recommendations for the annual summit of the G20 leaders. The forum is the concourse of business
leaders from across G20 member nations to reflect the key role of the private sector as the main
driver of strong, sustainable and balanced growth.
As President of the G20 in 2014, Australia has established a B20. The B20 Australia Leadership
Group includes 30 Australian business leaders representing a range of industries. It is chaired by
Richard Goyder AO, Managing Director and CEO of Wesfarmers. B20 Australia will lead business
engagement and coordinate the communication of international business priorities to the G20 during
Australia’s presidency.
B20 Summits typically involve more than 400 participants from across the G20 member countries.
Chairperson: Richard Goyder AO Managing Director and CEO, Wesfarmers is the current Chairman,
B20 Australia
The 7th IBSA (IndiaBrazilSouth Africa) Summit of 2015 will be hosted by India. The same was
announced after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President
Jacob Zuma in Brazil. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the meetings between the BRICS
leadership and leaders from Latin American countries.
Besides, New Delhi would also host the India Africa Forum to be held in December 2014.
IBSA is a trilateral forum of India, Brazil and South Africa with the objective to promote, interalia,
SouthSouth cooperation and exchange. The platform came into being following a meeting of the
foreign ministers of the three nations in Brasilia in 2003, through the adoption of the Brasilia
Declaration.
BRICS group of nations inked a pact to set up a new $100 billion development bank and
emergency reserve fund. The agreement to create the bank was signed during the 6th BRICS
Summit being held in Fortaleza, Brazil. BRICS group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and
South Africa.
To begin with, the bank will start operating with $50 billion in initial capital with the five BRICS
contributing $10 billion each.
According to the pact, the capital of the bank will be divided equally among the five participating
nations and the headquarters of the same will be in Shanghai, China. The chairmanship of the
bank will be rotational and its first President will come from India for the first 6 years. The Bank
will also have a regional office in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The governing body of the bank will be formed by BRICS Finance ministers or central banks’
governors to manage the CRA. The BRICS CRA will not be open to outsiders. Initially, the bank will
focus on infrastructure projects in the BRICS countries.
Capital contribution from BRICS nations
China: $41 billion
Brazil, Russia and India: $18 billion each
South Africa: $5 billion
Future benefits of BRICS Development Bank:
The creation of the $100 billion development bank will help the developing countries to:
Effectively deal with short term liquidity pressures
Encourage further BRICS cooperation
Complement existing international arrangements
Consolidate the global financial safety net
With a view to strengthen bilateral relationship, India and Brazil signed three Memorandums of
Understanding (MoU) during the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil. The agreement was inked
by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.
The three MoUs are:
1. MoU on Environment
Both nations agreed to extend cooperation on Climate change; Biodiversity; Afforestation in arid
areas; Water conservation; Protection of wetlands and Waste management. Waste management
includes Management of agricultural waste and electronic waste; Management of waste water
management; Use of biofuels; Air and water quality management; Environmental information
systems.
The cooperation in this field will be in the form of exchange of information and documentation and
collaborative projects. Towards this, the two countries agreed to set up an IndoBrazil Joint Working
Group on Environment which will see that the contents of the agreement are implemented.
1. MoU on Space
Both nations agreed on implementing arrangement establishing cooperation in augmentation of a
Brazilian earth station for receiving and processing data from Indian Remote Sensing (IRS)
satellites.
Other Agreements
Both sides also agreed to take measures to further expand and diversify trade and investment flows
and strengthen cooperation in agriculture and dairy science, conventional and renewable energy,
space research and application, defence, cyber security and environment conservation. They also
agreed to step up their cooperation in international forums and multilateral institutions, including the
G 20.
Russia has offered to host the BRICS Summit for year 2015 in the country’s city of Ufa after the
grouping’s successful meeting in Brazil that witnessed a consensus being reached on setting up a
development bank and a contingency reserve arrangement.
Ufa is the capital city of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia, and the industrial, economic, scientific
and cultural centre of the republic.
The recently concluded 6th BRICS summit held in Fortaleza, Brazil was attended by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Xi Jinping of China, Jacob Zuma of South Africa
and Dilma Rousseff of Brazil, as they discussed global economic, political and strategic issues.
The group decided to establish the New Development Bank with an initial authorized capital of $100
billion for which the initial subscribed capital will be equally shared by the founding members, a point
India stressed upon to prevent domination by anyone of the members. It was also decided on
establishing a contingency reserve arrangement with an initial size of $100 billion.
The 6th BRICS Summit that was held in Fortaleza, Brazil concluded recently. The theme of the
Summit was Inclusive Growth: Sustainable Solutions.
The participating nations Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa jointly issued the Fortaleza
Declaration.
Fortaleza Declaration key points:
Next BRICS Summit in 2015 will be held in the city of Ufa in Russia.
South Africa to host the 4th meeting of BRICS Competition Authorities in 2015 to improve
competition policy and enforcement.
BRICS Information Sharing and Exchange Platform will be set up to facilitate trade and
investment cooperation.
Proposal to establish the BRICS Network University underscoring the strategic significance of
education for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
Agreement for setting up the New Development Bank (NDB) with $100 billion corpus which will
distribute the funds equally among all the BRICS nations for mobilizing resources for infrastructure
and sustainable development projects in BRICS.
Pact for the setting up of the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) with an initial size
of $100 billion to tackle shortterm liquidity demands.
MoU on cooperation among BRICS Export Credit and Guarantees Agencies that will build a
conducive atmosphere for increasing trade opportunities among BRICS countries.
Efforts will be made by National Institutes of Statistics and the Ministries of Health and
Education of BRICS countries towards the development of joint methodologies for social
indicators to be incorporated in the BRICS Joint Statistical Publication.
The BRICS pledged to contribute to the G20 goal of lifting our collective GDP by more than 2%
over the coming 5 years.
Exploration of new approaches of cooperation in insurance and reinsurance market among BRICS
countries will be done to realize the potential and pool capacities.
Cooperative approach on issues pertaining to tax administrations will be continued and
cooperation in the international forums targeting tax base erosion and information exchange for
tax purposes will be improved.
BRICS urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to find ways to implement the 14th General
Review of Quotas without further delay so as to ensure enhanced representation of Emerging and
developing countries.
The work on the next shareholding review at the World Bank will be initiated as soon as possible in
order to meet the agreed deadline of October 2015.
BRICS Economic Cooperation Strategy and a Framework of BRICS Closer Economic
Partnership which lay down steps to encourage intraBRICS economic, trade and investment
cooperation.
By the end of 2014 a postBali work program will be established for concluding the Doha
Round, based on the progress already made and in keeping with the mandate achieved in the
Doha Development Agenda, Public StockHolding for Food Security Purposes and implementation
of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation.
Reaffirmation of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD)
mandate as the focal point in the UN system dedicated to consider the interrelated issues of trade,
investment, finance and technology from a development perspective
BRICS called for a comprehensive reform of United Nations in line with the 2005 World Summit
Outcome Document so as to make it more representative, effective and efficient.
To encourage the convening, at the earliest possible date, of the Conference on the establishment
of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction.
BRICS called for an inclusive and consensusbased multilateral consultations on a draft
International Code of Conduct on Outer Space Activities
The proposal for the setting up an AntiDrug Working Group presented.
Commitment of BRICS to the implementation of the UN Global CounterTerrorism Strategy has
been reiterated.
BRICS also reiterated their commitment to the implementation of the Convention on Biological
Diversity and its Protocols, with special focus to the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 20112020 and
the Aichi Targets.
Domestic and foreign bribery will be fought against, and international cooperation, including law
enforcement cooperation, will be bolstered in accordance with multilaterally established principles
and norms, especially the UN Convention Against Corruption.
South Africa has been congratulated and praised for the full implementation of the eThekwini
Action Plan
Sim Bhullar (21) has become the first player of Indian origin to join the National Basketball
Association (NBA) after he inked a summer contract with the Sacramento Kings, a professional
basketball team in the US.
Bhullar is originally from Canada but his parents hail from Punjab. He is 7.5 feet tall, weighs 360
pounds and is a centre from New Mexico State University. Bhullar is the tallest player in the NBA right
now, and needs only to stand on his tiptoes to make a basket.
Interestingly, in 2013, the Kings became the NBA’s first team to have an Indianorigin majority owner
– Vivek Ranadive. Since assuming the charge of the Kings, which was performing low in recent
years, Ranadive has transformed the organization into one of the better ones in the association.
Nadine Gordimer (90), South African Nobel Prizewinning author passed away in Johannesburg,
South Africa.
The writer was always vociferous voices against apartheid which she reflected in her books. She
penned more than 30 books, including the novels My Son’s Story, Burger’s Daughter and July’s
People. She jointly won 1974’s Booker Prize for The Conservationist and was awarded the Nobel
Prize for literature in 1991. For her hatred of apartheid reflected in her writings, a number of
Gordimer’s books were banned by the South African government under the apartheid regime
including 1966’s The Late Bourgeois World and 1979’s Burger’s Daughter.
Her last novel, ‘No Time Like the Present’, published in 2012, follows veterans of the battle against
apartheid as they deal with the issues facing modern South Africa. Gordimer was also an aggressive
campaigner in the HIV/Aids movement, lobbying and fundraising on behalf of the Treatment Action
Campaign, a group insisting the South African Government to provide free, lifesaving drugs to
diseased person.
The Nagoya Protocol has received the required 50th instrument of ratification on July 14,
2014. India, having hosted CoP11 to the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) in Hyderabad in
October 2012, is currently the President of CoP till CoP12 to be held in Pyeongchang, South
Korea in October 2014.
The Protocol on access and benefit sharing will enter into force on 90th day — October 12, 2014. It
will facilitate early coming into effect of this significant international treaty that has been a priority of
India as head of CoP. India played a significant role through its efforts in the last 21 months using
political and diplomatic channels.
Ratification of the Nagoya Protocol by 51 parties to the CBD is also a considered as a major
development towards achieving the first of the global Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of
Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversityis a
supplementary pact to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It provides a transparent
legal framework for the effective implementation of one of the three objectives of the CBD: the fair
and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Protocol was
adopted on October 29, 2010 in Nagoya, Aichi Province, Japan, and will enter into force on
October12, 2014. It has been ratified by 50 states and the European Union. Its objective is the fair
and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources, thereby contributing
to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flown to Brazil to participate in the sixth annual BRICS summit.
The BRICS summit – a multilateral forum comprising of the upcoming economies of Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South Africa – will be the first occasion that the Prime Minister will be interacting with
world leaders after assuming office in May 2014.
The 2day summit will be held in the cities of Fortaleza and Brasilia in Brazil.
India’s key agendas for this summit:
1. BRICS BANK: The key agenda will be establishing a new development bank on the lines of the
World Bank and Asian Development Bank. The idea was first talked about at the BRICS meet in
New Delhi in 2012.
1. CONTINGENT FUNDS: With a corpus of $100 billion the proposed bank will finance projects for
infrastructure projects in emerging, developing nations and will compete with the west dominated
IMF and World Bank.
1. Who will host BRICS BANK: With both India and China vying to host the headquarters for the
proposed bank, the contentious issue will be discussed.
1. INDIACHINA on security: India is likely to take up the matter of security of India’s Northern and
Eastern borders that it shares with China. PM Modi, who will have bilateral meetings with all
BRICS leaders, will meet Chinese President, Xi Jinping.
Expressing concerns over the empty coffers of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), India urged rich
countries to give their consent to a roadmap for its capitalization by 2015 – the year the world will
have a universal global climate treaty.
Speaking at the ‘Major Economies Forum’ (MEF) in Paris, India’s Environment minister Prakash
Javadekar also suggested that part of GCF, which was launched in 200910, should be used for
funding critical technologies and buying Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) so that it can be made
available to developing nations free of cost.
He referred to the annual Budget to inform that India had had taken a number of measures to fight
climate change including earmarking Rs 100 crore for National Adaptation Fund, launching of
mission for Himalayan region, Clean Ganga mission and hike in cess on coal from Rs 50 a tonne to
Rs 100 a tonne.
Green Climate Fund (GCF)
GCF is a fund within the framework of the UNFCCC set up as a mechanism to transfer money
from the developed nations to the developing countries, in order to help the developing nations in
adaptation and mitigation practices to tackle climate change. The GCF is based in the new Songdo
district of Incheon, South Korea. It is managed by a Board of 24 members.
The GCF will support projects, programmes, policies and other activities in developing nations. It
intends to be the fulcrum of efforts to increase Climate Finance of $100 billion a year by 2020.
Indian Government has asked United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan
(UNMOGIP) to vacate its Government accommodations in New Delhi.
Reacting to this, Pakistan said that such steps would not change the legal status of the Kashmir
dispute and that it never accepted Kashmir’s accession to India. It said that as long as the Kashmir
dispute is not resolved, the UN Security Council mandate remains.
In response to Pakistan’s statements, India said that it believes in moving forward than looking
behind and discussing decade old issues. India clarified that the move on UNMOGIP was consistent
with efforts to rationalize the UN body’s presence in India. It said that the measure was in line with
India’s longstanding view that UNMOGIP has outlived its relevance.
India believes that the UN body had little significance after India and Pakistan inked the Shimla pact
in 1972 on resolving the Kashmir dispute bilaterally. However, UN held that UN Security Council
resolution mandates the body to monitor and observe the border and report violations of a ceasefire
agreement between India and Pakistan.
UNMOGIP in India insisted that it will continue its operations in India in line with its original mandate.
The body is now searching for new office to rent.
India had provided UNMOGIP a plush accommodation in New Delhi free of charge 40 years ago. The
UN body also has offices in Islamabad and Muzaffarabad, the main city in the Pakistancontrolled
part of Kashmir.
Veteran actor Zohra Sehgal (102), who acted in Bollywood classics and Doctor Who adventures,
passed away. Sehgal, for her contribution to the Indian cinema is dubbed “the grand old lady of
Bollywood”. A Padma Shri awardee, she also received the Padma Vibhshan in 2010.
Sehgal, started her career as a dancer with Uday Shankar in 1935. She had appeared in many
Bollywood films as a character actor as well as in English language films besides television series and
plays. Often called the “grand old lady of Bollywood” and the “laadli” of entertainment , last appeared
in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Saawariya” in 2007.
The baby girl who had emerged as a ray of hope for the global combat against AIDS, when she was
cured of HIV after being born to an infected mother has now been detected with the HIV virus.
In a huge setback to researchers, the child known as the “Mississippi baby” who when put on Anti
Retroviral Therapy (ART) within 30 hours of birth was cured in 2013 by stopping the formation of
viral reservoirs — dormant cells responsible for the restarting the infection in most HIV
patients within weeks of halting the therapy has now been found to have been reinfected after
more than 2 years without ART support.
The kid has detectable HIV levels in the blood (16,750 copies/mL). Besides, the child has reduced
levels of CD4+ Tcells, the main constituent of a normal immune system, and the presence of
HIV antibodies — signs of a replicating pool of virus in the body. The kid has been put on ART
again. It has been found that the child’s HIV infection was the same strain acquired from the mother.
HIV first emerged over 30 years ago and has till now infected over 34 million people globally.
Scientists face a daunting challenge of finding a vaccine against HIV. As per the UN estimates,
330,000 babies were infected in 2011. This is apart from more than 3 million children living with HIV
across the globe.
In India, over 14,000 children got infected in 2011, which accounted for 13% decrease as compared
to 2009. The number of estimated deaths among children (014 years old) due to AIDS was 10,213 in
2011. In India, in 2011, an estimated 21 lakh people living with HIV/AIDS, 7% were children. Nearly
40% (8.16 lakh) of them were women, who are likely to pass on the virus to their babies.
The World Population Day was observed across the world on July 11. The theme for year 2014 is
“Invest in Young People today, to ensure a Bright Future“.
The United Nations’ (UN) World Population Day is observed annually on July 11 to reiterate the
human right to plan for a family. It promotes activities, events and information for the realization of
this right throughout the world. As per United States Census Bureau (USCB), World Population is
estimated to be 7.023 billion. World Population has increased sharply in the last 200 years.
Countries like China and India together make up 37% of the total world population. Continent wise,
Asia with 4.2 billion people has largest population. As compared to other continents of the world, Asia
accounts for over 60% of the world population.
A study has attributed the dramatic increase in earthquakes in central Oklahoma since 2009 to
subsurface wastewater injection at a few wastewater disposal wells. As per researchers, Oklahoma
earthquakes make up nearly half of all central and eastern U.S. seismicity from 2008 to 2013, many
occurring in areas of highrate water disposal.
Induced seismicity poses as a primary obstacle to expanded shale gas and unconventional
hydrocarbon development. The study offers insight into the process by which the earthquakes are
induced and suggests that sticking to standard best practices may significantly cut down the danger
of inducing seismicity. The best practices include avoiding wastewater disposal near major faults and
the use of suitable monitoring and mitigation schemes.
As per research, 4 of the highestvolume disposal wells in Oklahoma (about 0.05% of wells) are
capable of triggering about 20% of recent central U.S. earthquakes in a series, called a swarm,
spanning nearly 2,000 sq kms, as shown by the study of modeled pore pressure surge at relocated
earthquake hypocenters.
Earthquakes are induced at distances more than 30 kms from the disposal wells, far away from
current criteria of 5 kms from the well for diagnosis of induced earthquakes.
The area of increased pressure related to these wells keeps expanding, increasing the probability of
encountering a larger fault and thus raising the risk of triggering an earthquake of highermagnitude.
Famous British actress, Emma Watson, has been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador of UN
Women – the United Nation’s organization devoted to gender equality and the empowerment of
women.
Widely known for her role as Hermione Granger in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series, the distinguished
actress, humanitarian, and recent graduate of Ivy League institution Brown University, will dedicate
her efforts as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador towards the empowerment of young women and will
serve as an advocate for UN Women’s HeForShe campaign in promoting gender equality.
“HeForShe Campaign”
HeForShe is a UN Women’s solidarity campaign which calls upon the masculine gender to stand up
against the inequalities faced by women and girls globally. The movement bolsters the support for
women’s rights as human rights by enlisting the support of men and urging them to play the role of
promoters of gender equality.
Researchers have developed a new method to forecast devastating floods up to 11 months in
advance, based on satellite monitoring of minute changes in the gravitational field of river basins.
Scientists measured the quantity of water that was stored in a river basin months ahead of the spring
flood season. T heir statistical model precisely predicted this major flood event 5 months in advance.
Scientists at the University of California studied satellite data and examined past river floods, such as
the ones that occurred in Missouri in 2011. Researchers used NASA’s twin GRACE satellites to
examine a region’s flood potential. As the satellites revolved around the Earth, minute changes in
gravity alter the satellites’ orbit. These changes are proportional to changes in mass, such as a
buildup of water and snow. The team took into account all potential water sources, including snow,
surface water, soil moisture and groundwater. They found that with their method they could predict
dangerous flooding 5 months in advance and could potentially extend that window to 11 months.
During a meeting between the India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her British
counterpart Foreign Secretary of State William Hague, both sides decided to soon start negotiations
for civil nuclear cooperation. Hague pushed for sale of its Medium MultiRole Combat Aircraft
(MMRCA) despite its Eurofighter Typhoon losing out to France’s Rafale.
At present, the bilateral trade between the UK and India stands at $ 15 billion with the UK being the
3rd largest investor in India. Both nations also talked about ways to boost trade ties with India inviting
British firms to invest in its BangaloreMumbai Economic Corridor infrastructure project. By November
2014, India is expected to give a “perspective plan” to the UK suggesting various “nodes” where they
can invest.
Both countries agreed to soon begin negotiations for civil nuclear cooperation pact, almost oneand
ahalf years after UK Prime Minister David Cameron and his then counterpart Manmohan Singh
decided to have such an agreement.
Typhoon Neoguri: Super typhoon moving towards Japan
July 7, 2014No comments
A super typhoon named Neoguri was advancing north for Japan on July 7, 2014, set to lash the
southern Okinawa archipelagoes with heavy rain and powerful winds before making landfall on
Kyushu, Japan’s westernmost main island. The typhoon was already heading at more than 250 km
an hour (150 mph) and may become more powerful as it advances north. But it was not expected to
be as intense as Typhoon Haiyan, which killed thousands in the Philippines in 2013. Typhoon
Neoguri, is known as “Florita” in Philippines. It is the 8th named storm and the second typhoon of
the yearly typhoon season and is a large and powerful tropical cyclone affecting Okinawa, Japan.
Ending a long wait, India, and its colossus Bollywood film industry, from July 1, 2014 became the
54th country to have an official AudioVisual Coproduction Treaty with Canada. The pact will
allow film producers of both nations to exploit various incentives and tax breaks offered by
both governments. This kind of governmentapproved and subsidized coordination treaty between
the Canadian and Indian film industries is unprecedented.
F or Bollywood, large IndoCanadian communities in Vancouver and Toronto are considered main
overseas markets.The treaty will allow producers from both countries to share production of films and
TV projects. The pact would pep up the interest of Bollywood to shoot more films in Canada, and
offer more of its stuff before the emergent IndoCanadian market.
Pakistan’s National Assembly passed the Protection of Pakistan Bill (PPB) 2014. The PPB which
permits security forces to shoot suspects on sight with the permission of a grade15 official, will now
be valid for a period of 2 years. The bill seeks to “provide for protection against waging of war
against Pakistan and the prevention of acts threatening the security of Pakistan”. It will
provide the law enforcement officials with extra powers.
The approval of the bill is a significant move in light of the military operation in North Waziristan,
codenamed ‘ZarbeAzb’.
As compared to the previous PPB which stipulated that the law would be enforced in the event of
‘waging of war against Pakistan’, its amended form says, ‘waging of war or insurrection against
Pakistan’. Besides, the term ‘enemy alien’ describes a person whose identity as a Pakistan national
is unascertainable.
The law limits the use of force to officers of Grade15 or above and an internal investigation by the
head of the relevant law enforcement agency will be conducted in case of death through the use of
force. If it is needed, all such cases will be subject to a judicial inquiry.
The remand period for an accused has been fixed at 60 days and, on reasonable basis, the
government has the power to confine a detainee for 90 days at a designated internment camp.
The Joint Investigation Team will have the power to keep back a detainee’s information except from a
High Court or Supreme Court. The government may not reveal a detainee’s details for security
reasons. Besides, on reasonable grounds, the burden of proof lies upon an ‘enemy alien’ or militant.
The list of offences includes cyber crimes and crimes related to information technology, as well as the
trespassing national boundaries illegally. Punishments under these crimes can be extended to 20
years. The PPB provides for setting up special courts consultation with the chief justices of the High
Courts and decisions by the special courts can contested in the High Courts.
In the honor of Akhouri Sinha, a distinguished IndianAmerican scientist whose groundbreaking
biological research expedition has provided vital data about animal populations, the United States
has named a mountain in Antarctica after him as Mt Sinha.
An adjunct professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development at the University
of Minnesota, Sinha was recognized by the US Geological Survey, which named the mountain Mt
Sinha, for his critical contribution as an explorer in 197172. Sinha was a member of a team that
catalogued population research of seals, whales and birds in the icepacked Bellingshausen and
Amundsen Seas and in Glaciers in 1972 and 1974.
Mt Sinha, a mountain (990 m) at the southeast end of Erickson Bluffs in the southern part of
McDonald Heights, overlooks lower Kirkpatrick Glacier from the north in Marie Byrd Land.
In a dramatic shift in policy, Japan changed its stance of its postwar pacifism by revoking a ban that
has kept the military from fighting abroad since 1945. Although the move signifies victory countries
for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, it has bothered China and many Japanese citizens. The policy change
will extend Japan’s military options by ending the ban on exercising “collective selfdefense“, or
aiding an ally nation under attack.
Japan adopted a resolution describing the change, which also eases limits on activities in U.N.led
peacekeeping operations and “grey zone” incidents short of fullscale war. Japan’s military, which
has long been constrained by the postwar constitution, will now become more aligned with the
militaries of other advanced countries in terms of its options.
In World War II, the US defeated Japan and then became its close friend with a security cooperation
agreement. The US has welcomed the Japanese decision and said it would strengthen the U.S.
Japan alliance. The US has long exhorted Japan to become a more equal alliance partner. Tokyo’s
step has also been well received by Southeast Asia nations that like Japan have territorial disputes
with an increasingly assertive China. Tokyo’s new policy has riled China, whose relationships with
Japan have strained due to a maritime dispute, mistrust and the legacy of past Japanese military
aggression.
South Korea, also a US ally, but still distressed about Japan’s 20th century colonization of the Korea,
said it would not accept any policy shift affecting its security unless it gave its agreement.
As India ratified the Marrakesh Treaty, it became the first country in the world to have done so.
The treaty seeks to facilitate access to published works for persons who are visually impaired, or
otherwise print disabled. The Treaty was adopted by 79 member nations of the World Intellectual
Property Organisation (WIPO). India submitted the Instrument of Ratification to WIPO at the 28th
session of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights in Geneva.
For the Marrakesh Treaty to come into force, ratification by at least 20 nations is necessary. The
treaty requires signatories to introduce national law provisions that facilitates the availability of
published works in formats like Braille that are accessible to the blind and allow their exchange
across borders by organizations working for the visually impaired.
The pact will help import of accessible format copies from the member countries by the
Indian authorized entities such as educational institutions, libraries and other institutions
working for the welfare of the visually impaired. The treaty will also ease translation of
imported accessible format copies and export of accessible format copies in Indian
languages.
June 25 was observed as International Seafarer’s Day across the world. The day is observed as
an expression of thanks to the seafarers for their contribution to the economy and civil society of the
world, also for risks and personal costs endured by them while being in their jobs.
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) decided in 2010 to observe June 25 as International
Day of the Seafarer. The Day of the Seafarers has also been included in the list of observances by
United Nations.
The day acknowledges that almost everything that we use in our daily lives has been directly or
indirectly linked with sea transport. A per IMO, around 90% of the world’s goods trade is carried out
through ships.
Pyu Ancient Cities of Myanmar has become the first site from the country to get entry onto the
World Heritage List. It was decided by the World Heritage Committee during its meeting in Doha
(Qatar) under the Chair of Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani. The panel also
inscribed Iran’s ‘Burnt City” on the List.
Pyu Ancient Cities (Myanmar)
The site includes the remains of three brick, walled and moated cities of Halin, Beikthano and Sri
Ksetra located in huge irrigated landscapes in the dry zone of the Irrawaddy River basin. These are
the evidence of the Pyu Kingdoms that bloomed for over 1,000 years between 200 B.C and 900 A.D.
Shahri Sokhta (Iran)
ShahrI Sokhta means ‘Burnt City’. It is situated at the junction of Bronze Age trade routes crossing
the Iranian plateau. The remains of the mud brick city reflect the beginning of the first complex
societies in eastern Iran. Established around 3200 BC, it was populated during four main periods up
to 1800 BC, during which there developed several distinct areas within the city. These include a
monumental area, residential areas, industrial zones and a graveyard. Changes in water courses and
climate led to the ultimate desertion of the city in the early 2000 BC.
Note: With the inscriptions of the above two sites, the total number of World Heritage sites
increased to 994.
India’s Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA), has been inscribed on the
World Heritage List as per Criterion (X) of UNESCO Guidelines. The Criterion X is “To contain the
most important and significant natural habitats for insitu conservation of biological diversity, including
those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science
or conservation.”
The Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA):
Location: Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh, India
Area and Rivers: 905.40 sq km, includes the upper mountain glacial and snow melt water source
origins of the westward flowing JiwaNal, Sainj and Tirthan Rivers and the northwestward flowing
Parvati River.
Located at the convergence of Oriental and Palaearctic realms, GHNP offers a unique opportunity for
the species from both biogeographic regions to flourish, propagate and evolve. Several rare and
threatened species including the Western Tragopan, Himalayan Tahr,Chir Pheasant, Asiatic Black
Bear, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Musk Deer, Blue Sheep and Serow inhabit in this area. Around 25
threatened IUCN Redlisted plant species have been registered from the park. The area has more
than 35 peaks of greater than 5000m and two greater than 6000m. The boundaries of GHNP are
also adjoining the recently established (2010) Khirganga National Park, the Pin Valley National Park
in transHimalaya, RupiBhabha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sutlej watershed and Kanawar Wildlife
Sanctuary (61 sq km).
International Widows Day was observed across the world on June 23.
The Day aims to draw people’s attention towards the condition of widows of all ages and across
regions and cultures.
Abuse of widows and their children has become one of the most serious violations of human rights
and hampers development. Millions of the widows across the globe are struggling with the problems
of extreme poverty, ostracism, violence, homelessness, ill health and discrimination in law and
custom.
As per estimates, around 115 million widows live in poverty, and 81 million have faced physical
abuse. India has around 40 million widows of which 15000 live in the Holy City of Vrindavan
(Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India).
Indian government is keeping a close watch on the ongoing crisis in Iraq where terrorist groups led
by ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) are attacking and capturing regions in the country. Though
the crisis hasn’t yet caused any disruption in the country’s crude oil supplies to India, it has the
potential to push up global crude prices. In FY14, India imported around 13% of its crude oil from
Iraq, the most after Saudi Arabia, which provided for about 20% of the country’s oil imports of 190
million tonnes in the year. India’s dependence on Iraq crude oil surged since FY12 after US sanctions
on Iran.
The average price of Indian crude oil basket that was at $106.94/ barrel during AprilMay has now
increased to $110.31/barrel. The surge in the price has been witnessed since the intensification of
fighting between militants belonging to the Sunni minority and Iraq security forces.
As per experts, the oil prices may soar if militants — now fighting Iraq’s security forces mostly in
northern regions — advance into southern Iraq, which accounts for around threequarters of the
country’s crude production.
Normally, Indian refiners have stock of crude oil ranging from 15 days to nearly a month. Any
deficiency in supplies from Iraq could be replenished from other suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and
Kuwait, but if disturbances prolong, it could impact Indian refiners.
Escalation of the price of crude oil directly impacts India’s fuel subsidy and could hurt government
finances. Due to gradual price increase by the government the losses on diesel have now reduced to
Rs 1.62 per litre and the government aims to make the fuel’s price fully marketdetermined. For
instance, if there is an increase in international crude oil price by a dollar, price of diesel in India could
rise by roughly 40 paise/ litre.
India’s Union Ministry of Culture launched “Project Mausam” at the 38th summit of the World
Heritage Committee in Doha, Qatar. The Project aims to explore the multifaceted Indian Ocean
region and collaborate archaeological and historical research in order to document the diversity of
cultural, commercial and religious interactions in the Indian Ocean.
Several countries including China, UAE, Qatar, Iran, Myanmar, and Vietnam have also shown keen
interest in this project.
New Delhi will host first international conference on “Project Mausam” in February 2015 with
national and international research partners and collaborators. The theme of the conference will be
“Great Centres of Learning: Knowledge Societies and the Making of the Indian Ocean
region”.
Eminent novelist Salman Rushdie (67), author of Midnight’s Children and The Satanic Verses,
has been named the winner of Pen Pinter prize for 2014. The award was instituted in 2009 by writers’
charity English Pen in memory of British writer Harold Pinter.The prize will be presented on October
9, 2014 at an event at the British Library in London.
Rushdie went into hiding in 1989 after The Satanic Verses triggered extensive protests by Muslims
and a fatwa was released from Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini.
He was conferred Knighthood in 2007 contributions to literature. His other noted books include
Haroun and the Sea of Stories and The Moor’s Last Sigh.
World Champion Magnus Carlsen has become the first man in the history of Chess to hold the
Chess Triple Crown by holding the World Blitz, Rapid, and Classic titles consecutively.
However, he is not the first player to have achieved this feat. Before him, Ms. Susan Polgar did it
back in 1996. Polgar was the first chess player in the world to hold all three world titles in a row,
reasonably making her the first player to hold a chess Triple Crown.
Ms Susan Polgar was the first chess player in the world to hold all three world titles successively,
fairly making her the first player to hold a chess Triple Crown.
However, there are some dissimilarities between Carlsen’s newly achieved Triple Crown and
Polgar’s. First, Polgar won FIDE’s Women’s World Blitz, Rapid, and Classic titles while Carlsen won
the Men’s. While, Carlsen won all three titles in one 12month period, Polgar held her titles
contemporaneously, but won them in different years.
Immunologists Dr James Allison of the US and Dr Tasuku Honjo of Japan were named joint recipients
of the inaugural Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science for their discoveries that have helped
advance immunotherapy and has brought new ray of hope that many types of cancers can be cured.
Prized Discoveries of Allison and HonjoDr Honjo:
Discovered PD1 in 1992, an inhibitor of the T cell, a type of lymphocyte that plays a pivotal role in
cellmediated immunity. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the antibodies
against PD1 as an investigational drug and are being developed as a cancer treatment.
One such antibody is likely to be launched in year 2015 for treatment of nonsmallcell lung cancer
which is considered to significantly change the approach towards lung cancer treatment.
Dr Allison:
In 1995, Allison became the first researcher to identify cytotoxic Tlymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4), a
protein receptor that downregulates the immune system.
CTLA4 is found on the surface of T cells, which lead cellular immune attacks on antigens. Allison
developed an antibody that blocks CTLA4 activity. This antibody has been shown to have potential to
help fight various types of tumors in mice.
The study led to the development of a monoclonal antibody drug that was approved by the FDA in
2011 to treat melanoma. The therapy and a regimen combining antiCTLA4 and antiPD1 have
been shown to significantly improve longterm survival rates of cancer patients.
The Tang Prize:
A Taiwanese entrepreneur Samuel Yin Established instituted the Tang Prize in 2012 to award leaders
in four fields:
Sustainable development
biopharmaceutical science
Sinology
The rule of law.
Up to 3 awardees in each category can share a cash prize of NT$40 million and a research grant of
up to NT$10 million.
The outcome of an 18month long legal tussle between GMR Infra and the Maldives government on
the issue of government cancellation of the company’s contract to develop and operate the country’s
main airport is in favor of the GMR. A Maldives’ tribunal hearing the case has adjudged the
government’s cancellation of the contract “wrongful”. It has ordered Maldives and the stateowned
Maldives Airports Company (MACL) to pay $4 million legal cost to GMR within 42 days. In addition to
this, GMR has demanded an indemnification of $1.4 billion for losses incurred in the last one year on
its bid amount and investments in developing the airport.
GMR vs Maldives case:
On July 28, 2010, a contract for development and operations of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport at
Male was awarded to a joint venture between GMR Infra (77%) and Malaysia Airports (Labuan)
Private Limited (23%) at a bidding price of $511 million. The contract was signed when Mohammed
Nashid was the President of Maldives. However, in 2012, Mr. Nashid was forced to resigned under a
coup d’état and Mohammed Wahid Hassan became took over as the President
Nasheed’s rivals filed a legal action holding the contract with GMR as invalid because the contract
contains a $25 airport development charge per outgoing passenger which was not authorized by the
parliament. The contract was thus cancelled.
Sanjaya Rajaram, an Indiaborn plant scientist, has been chosen for the World Food Prize 2014 for
scientific research that led to a stupendous increase in world wheat production.
However, farm activists in the country criticised the prize as mere a public relations stunt by big agri
food companies who fund it.
Sanjaya Rajaram, a citizen of Mexico, took over Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug as head of the
wheat breeding program at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in
Mexico, where he worked for 33 years. The World Food Prize acknowledges his contribution to the
breeding technologies which have made significant impact in providing more nutritious food around
the world and assuaging world hunger.
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center
Commonly called by its Spanish acronym CIMMYT (Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y
Trigo) is a nonprofit research and training institution dedicated to both the development of improved
varieties of wheat and maize, and introducing better agricultural practices to farmers, thus bettering
their livelihoods.
CIMMYT is one of the 15 nonprofit, research and training institutions affiliated with the Consultative
Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).
As per an announcement by myCopter coordinator, myCopter Project Day will be held in
Braunschweig in Germany on 20 November 20, 2014.
myCopter Project
myCopter Project was conceptualized in 2007 with an aim to design Personal Aerial Vehicles and to
develop an effective, efficient and userfriendly Personal Aerial Transportation System. The initial
project is almost complete, and the next phase of MyCopter will end on myCopter Project Day.
Six research institutions of Europe are working together to study the feasibility of developing small
commuter helicopters. The European Union had provided $4.7 million grant for the project.
myCopter Project
The project was conceived in response to a 2007 European Union report called Out of the Box:
Ideas About the Future of Air Transport. The report invited ideas from researchers on radical
changes to Europe’s current transportation system, including ideas for a personal air vehicle.
The project is the brainchild of Heinrich H. Bülthoff, director of perception, cognition and action
at the Max Planck Institute, Germany.
The myCopter project aims to make progress in 3 specific research areas which include Usercentred
Human Machine Interface and Training, Automation and Sociotechnological assessment.
As per World Health Organization (WHO), the deadly Ebola virus has killed 337 people in West
Africa so far. The region has reported 14 deaths and 47 new cases. Guinea is worsthit with 264
Ebolarelated deaths. In Sierra Leone, there have been 49 deaths and in Liberia 24.
The outbreak of the virus began in southern Guinea’s Guekedou region, but has now spread to its
neighboring countries.
There is no cure or vaccine for Ebola – one of the world’s deadliest viruses. As per WHO, the virus
spreads by close contact and has high rate of between 25% and 90%, depending on the strain of the
virus.
Symptoms include internal and external bleeding, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Ebola virus disease (EVD)
Symptoms include high fever, bleeding and central nervous system damage
Death rate can reach 90%
2 to 21 days of Incubation period
No vaccine, No cure
Supportive treatment such as rehydration by administering fluid and electrolytes can help recovery
Fruit bats are considered to be the natural host of the virus
Global Peace Index (GPI) for year 2014 has been released by Institute for Economics and Peace in
London. The GPI measured peace in 162 nations on the basis of 22 parameters. India slipped two
ranks than previous year and has been positioned 143rd in the global rankings.
Some key observations from GPI 2014:
Syria replaced Afghanistan as the world’s least peaceful country. Iceland has retained its position
as the most peaceful country in the world.
Georgia registered the largest improvement in peace, while South Sudan witnessed the
sharpest decline and now ranks as the 3rd least peaceful nation.
Comparing India with its neighbours, Nepal ranked 76, Bangladesh (98), Sri Lanka (105), Pakistan
(154), Afghanistan (161) and China (108).
From economic perspective, it cost Indian economy $ 177 billion for containing and dealing with
the consequences of India’s level of violence. The cost is equivalent to 3.6% percent of GDP of
India or $145 per person.
Top ten performers on GPI 2014:
1. Iceland
2. Denmark
3. Austria
4. New Zealand
5. Switzerland
6. Finland
7. Canada
8. Japan
9. Belgium
10. Norway
Global Peace Index (GPI)
Launched in 2007, GPI intends to a measure levels of world peace. Produced by the Institute for
Economics and Peace (IEP), the Index uses 22 indicators, ranging from a nation’s level of military
expenditure to its relations with neighboring nations and the percentage of prison population in 162
countries.
The IEP, based in Sydney (Australia) is an international and independent think tank dedicated to draw
the world’s attention towards peace as a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human well
being and development.
On his first foreign visit after becoming PM, Narendra Modi who is on a twoday Bhutan visit promised
to foster bilateral ties which he described as “B2B —Bharat to Bhutan” as he held talks with the
Bhutanese King and countries Prime Minister, discussing an entire range of relationship between the
two nations.
Mr. Modi also unveiled the Supreme Court complex built by India as part of the developmental
cooperation. Modi described the bilateral ties as “B2B relations — Bharat to Bhutan relations”.
He announced doubling of scholarships granted to Bhutanese students in India which will now be
worth Rs 2 crore. Modi also assured to help Bhutan in establishing a digital library, which will provide
access to Bhutanese youth to two million books and periodicals.
Prime Minister’s visit to Bhutan holds significance since China has lately scaled up efforts to
persuade it and set up fullfledged diplomatic relationship with Bhutan.
World Day to Combat Desertification was observed on June 17, 2014 to promote public
awareness of the issue, and the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification (UNCCD) in those countries experiencing severe drought and/or desertification,
particularly in Africa.
The theme for 2014 is “Land Belongs to the Future – Let’s Climate Proof It“.
Globally, around 1.5 billion people depend on degrading areas for their livings, and nearly half of the
world’s very poor (42%) dwell in degraded areas, rendering them some of the most insecure places
in the world, and in some cases their imbalance can destabilize whole political regions.
The world is not isolated from the effect instability caused by the suffering of these people. As per
estimates, by 2020 around 60 million people will migrate from desertified regions in SubSaharan
Africa towards Northern Africa and Europe.
The theme emphasizes on raising awareness about the potential of ecosystembased adaptation as
a policy for coping with the impacts of climate change, particularly in the drylands. Ecosystembased
adaptation means the strengthening of natural systems to absorb the worst impacts of climate
change. Healthy ecosystems are less susceptible to the impacts and hazards of climate change.
June 17 as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was declared by the United Nations
General Assembly in 1994.
Juan Manuel Santos has secured another term as the President of Colombia as he has won the
recently held presidential poll. His victory symbolizes peoples support to his 18monthold peace
negotiations to end country’s longestrunning conflict with the leftwing FARC rebel group.
The violent conflict which has been running for several decades has inflicted huge damage to
Colombia. It involved armed groups, drug cartels and glaring violations of human rights, although
since 2002, the country has made some progress towards improving security.
Colombia: An Overview
Geographically, Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America and one of the most
populous nations in this continent. The country has sizeable oil reserves and is a major producer of
gold, silver, emeralds, platinum and coal.
Since the 1960s, the country has been ailing from an asymmetric lowintensity armed conflict
between the united group of liberal and leftwing guerillas or FARC group and anticommunist
Colombian government which has the military and financial backing of the US. Both the
paramilitary and the rebel group have been accused of engaging in drug trafficking and terrorism and
violations of human rights. The conflict intensified in the 1990s, but since 2000 the conflict has
decreased considerably. The peace talks between the government and the FARC began in 2012.
Rightwing groups are surrendering under a peace initiative. CurrentPresident Santos maintains his
predecessor’s tough stance against the FARC.
Economically, despite growth in recent years, millions dwell in poverty. The country has also inked a
Free Trade Agreement with the US. Colombia is a big recipient of US assistance and is a steadfast
ally of Washington.
The tension between Russia and Ukraine has further intensified with Russia cutting off the gas supply
to Ukraine. Both countries blamed the other for the failure of talks in Kiev.
The gas issue is one more dispute between the two countries, besides the annexation of Crimea
peninsula by Russia. Kiev has accused Moscow of inciting unrest in the eastern region of the country.
The CEO of Russia’s state gas company, Gazprom, alleged that the Ukrainians were trying to
“blackmail” Russia into giving them a lower price and had failed to repay a huge debt accrued over
recent years.
As per Ukraine’s PM, the gas talks were part of a “general Russian plan to destroy Ukraine”.
The relationship between Russia and Ukraine are under severe strain since Moscow annexed
Crimea in February 2014. The move to stop gas supply will impact the Europe as about 15% of the
EU’s gas supply is Russian gas piped through Ukraine.
Although, Russia will continue to supply gas to Europe but Gazprom has warned there were
substantial risks for gas transportation to the EU via Ukraine.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released the Red List of Threatened
Species. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014. As of
now, the Red List has 73,686 assessed species, of which 22,103 are threatened with extinction. The
release includes lemurs, Japanese eels, slipper orchids.
The Brazilian threebanded Armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus) which is FIFA World Cup 2014
mascot has been enlisted as Vulnerable as its population has decreased by more than a third in the
past 10 due to destruction of half its shrubland habitat.
The Brazilian 3banded armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus) is an armadillo species endemic to Brazil. In
Brazil it is locally known as “tatubola” as it can roll itself into a ball.
Lemurs are one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates on the planet as more than 90% of
lemurs are now threatened with extinction.
Some of the facts about Lemurs:
Of the 99 known species, which live on the island of Madagascar 22 species are critically
endangered, including the Indri, the largest living lemur.
48 species of lemur are endangered, including Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, the world smallest
primate.
20 lemur species are vulnerable.
Lemurs are threatened by the loss of their tropical forest habitat due to rise in illegal logging on
account of political instability and surging levels of poverty in the past 20 years.
Japanese eel:
It is a traditional food in Japan and the country’s most expensive food fish. It is endangered due to:
Habitat loss
Unsustainable fishing
Obstructions to migration
Pollution
Changes in oceanic currents
The assessment of species is done using the Species Information Service Toolkit, an application
developed in partnership with Solertium and IUCN.
Indian origin scientist Rasik Ravindra has been elected as member of the United Nations
Commissionon the Limits of Continental Shelf (CLCS) as India’s candidate for member of the
Commission.
Rasik, an alumnus of the Jammu and Kashmir University, is one of India’s eminent scientists. He has
a rich experience of over four decades in different spheres of geosciences that include geological
studies in Antarctica, India and Bhutan. He has been honored with many prestigious awards
including the National Award for Polar Sciences and Cryosphere in the year 2013 and National
Mineral Award in the year 1990. He has wide global experience and has also held coveted positions
that included negotiations in policy, technical and scientific issues.
United Nations Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf (CLCS):
The CLCS has 21 members, who are experts in the domains of geophysics, geology, or
hydrography, and are elected for a term of 5 years by the nations who are party to the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) among their nationals. It is the UN body
that is empowered to allocate new seabed territory to countries.
As per a report by Japanese Fisheries Agency, Japan has continued the hunting of whales and has
killed 30 minke whales off Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefacture (at its northeast coast), in the first hunt
since the International Court of Justice (ICJ) March 2014 order which directed Tokyo to halt killing
the whales in the Antarctic.
In March 2014, the ICJ ruled that Japan’s annual expedition to the Southern Ocean was a
commercial activity disguised as research.
ICJ ordered ban on Japan’s JARPA II (started in 2005) whaling programme in Sothern Ocean in
the Antarctic. The UN’s apex court imposed a temporary halt on Japan’s whaling programmme in
Antarctic waters after hearing a case brought against Japan by Australia and environmental groups.
The 16member panel of ICJ decided that the whaling exercise of Japan is not justified. The court
directed Tokyo to choose any one courses of action in this regard either stop hunting the whales or
redesign its hunting programme for scientific purposes. Japan agreed to the order of the ICJ.
Japan has exploited an ambiguity in a 1986 global moratorium that allows lethal research on the
mammals. Japan sometimes also paints the demands for an end to whaling as cultural imperialism in
the country.
Insufficiency in the ICJ order
Though the ICJ judgment directs Japan to stop whaling in Antarctic under JARPA II but it doesn’t
make any mention on its annual hunts in the Pacific Ocean. As a result, Japan is free to continue
hunting of whales in the Pacific.
The IndoFrench Air Drill “Garuda V” which began on June 3, 2014 successfully concluded at Air
Force Station (AFS) Jodhpur in Rajasthan. During this exercise both the air forces performed
various combat roles including Air to Air refuelling. The exercise provided significant mutual learning
opportunity to both Air Forces.
The French team participated with 4 Rafales and 1 C135 French Refueller aircraft while the Indian
side exercised 4 Su30MKI, 4 MiG 21 Bison, 4 MiG 27 (Upg), as well as an IL78 tanker aircraft and
an Airborne Warning and control system IL76 (AWACS).
Both the sides benefitted from the drill by executing difficult and realistic missions and sharing of
knowhow and operational lessons. This is likely to improve the operational capabilities of both the
forces as well as consolidate the cooperation between French and Indian Air Forces.
A long wait for India ended when the country became a permanent member of the Washington
Accord, an esteemed international treaty on engineering studies and mobility of engineers across
signatory countries including the US, the UK and Australia. Permanent membership reflects on the
country’s stature in the technical education space. Until now, India has been just a provisional
member since 2007.
The meeting of the International Engineering Alliance of WA member nations met in Wellington, New
Zealand and gave India the signatory status to join the select group of nations who are permanent
signatories to the Washington Accord (WA). This will ensure highest quality assurance standards to
be implemented in our technical and engineering programmes and provide global mobility to our
engineering graduates . It will significantly enhance their employment opportunities around the world.
The Washington Accord:
It is an international accreditation treaty for professional engineering academic degrees, between the
bodies responsible for accreditation in its signatory nations. Initially when the Washington Accord
came into force in 1989, only 6 developed countries were its members.
As of 2014, the signatories are: Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, India,
Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, the United
Kingdom, and the United States.
The accord acknowledges that there is significant uniformity of programs accredited by those
signatories. Every signatory countries recognizes the graduates of accredited programs by every
other signatory countries as having met the academic requirements for entry to the practice of
engineering. Recognition of accredited programs is not retroactive but takes effect only from the date
of admission of the country to signatory status.
The treaty covers undergraduate engineering degrees under Outcomebased education
approach. The accord doesn’t take into account engineering technology and postgraduate
programs, although some engineering technology programs are covered under the Sydney Accord
and the Dublin Accord. Only qualifications granted after the signatory country or region became part
of the Washington Accord are recognized. The pact is not directly responsible for the licensing or
registration of Professional Engineers and Chartered Engineers, but it does cover the academic
prerequisites that are part of the licensing processes in countries party to the accord.
Uganda’s foreign minister Sam Kahamba Kutesa has been unanimously elected as the President of
the 193membered United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He was in news recently for
defending the Ugandan government’s stringent antihomosexuality law which President Yoweri
Museveni signed in February 2014.
The members of the UNGA elect its president annually with a different regional grouping providing a
candidate or candidates. Since it was Africa’s turn to nominate a President, Mr. Kutesa was chosen
unanimously by the African Union as the only candidate for the presidency of the upcoming 69th
Session. However, Western nations and human rights advocates have expressed concerns over the
Uganda’s widely criticized antihomosexuality legislation.
The East India Company which had ventured into India in around 1600 AD for the purpose of trade
and which later became the precursor of British rule in India has launched a new office in the Qatari
capital of Doha in collaboration with local partner Nasser Al Ansari of Octagon International. Although
the Company was dissolved in 1874, it was reborn in 2010 and a revived East India Company
launched its flagship Fine Foods store in London’s Mayfair.
Since its creation in 1600 by The Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I, the influence of The
East India Company has been great.
Indiaborn Sanjiv Mehta acquired the over 400yearold company in 2005. The Company offers
products that have been crafted by artisans and specialists from around the globe using elements
that have been sourced for their quality.
In a bid to explore “untapped opportunities”, India and China have together decided to infuse a new
momentum in their economic relationship. The steps in this direction include establishing industrial
parks to take the bilateral trade beyond current $ 65 billion annually.
With bilateral trade standing close to USD 65 billion, China is India’s biggest trading partner.
However, the trade deficit between the two countries is in China’s favor at about $40 billion. The two
side trade also slipped by 1.5%, registering a declining trend for the second consecutive year in
2013. India has consistently been raising the issue of widening trade deficit and seeking greater
market access in China to fill the gap. India maintains that one way to tackle the asymmetry is to
open up Chinese markets to ITenabled services, home furnishings and cotton textiles and also in
pharmaceuticals.
Russia has in principle agreed on Civil Liability Nuclear Damage Act 2010 with India. This paves
the way for signing a contract for unit 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in July,
2014. In April, 2014, a General Framework Agreement was inked between India and Russia on unit
3 and 4 after overcoming the initial hurdles of the Civil Liability Nuclear Damage Act 2010.
The agreement which was expected to be signed in October 2013 during the then Indian PM
Manmohan Singh’s visit to Russia, as Moscow raised objection over some clauses of the Civil
Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act. India has built Units 1 and 2 of Tamil Nadubased
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) with the help of Russian assistance at the cost of Rs
17,200 crore. The Unit 1 of the KKNPP has attained 100% capacity of 1000 MW while the second unit
should start generating power from this year.
Because of high costs, insuring the nuclear power plants is a challenging task as there is no single
governmental insurance company in the country that can insure these installations with such hefty
costs. The Department of Atomic Energy has asked the Ministry of Finance to set up a Nuclear
Insurance Pool after the General Insurance Company was unable to insure Nuclear Power Plants.
During his visit to South Africa, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pledged to
donate Rs. 1 crore for the restoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s Tolstoy Farm in the country, a place
where he first began his Satyagraha. The place is now an abandoned area, south of Johannesburg,
owned by a neighboring brick manufacturing company.
Tolstoy Farm:
Mahatma Gandhi established the Tolstoy Farm near Johannesburg, South Africa in 1910. The
farm drew its name from Leo Tolstoy, whose writings had influenced Gandhiji. The farm, spanned
over an area of 1,100 acres, was donated by his architect friend Herman Kallenbach. The farm was
a selfsufficient commune for people from diverse backgrounds, race and religion stayed together
here to form a community of Passive Resisters. They adopted Gandhi’s principles of Satyagraha to
fight the discriminatory, unjust and racist rule of the then South Africa.
June 12 was observed as World Day Against Child Labour across the globe. The theme for year
2014 is Extend social protection: Combat child labour.
The World Day Against Child Labour was launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in
2002 to spread awareness on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to
eradicate it.
World Day Against Child Labour 2014 necessitates:
Action to introduce, improve and extend social protection, in line with the ILO Recommendation
No. 202 on social protection floors.
National social security systems that are sensitive to children’s needs and help fighting child
labour.
Social protection that reaches out to especially vulnerable groups of children.
Brasilia Declaration
At the 3rd Global Conference on Child Labour held in Brasilia in 2013, the international community
adopted the Brasilia Declaration, which emphasized the need for decent work for adults, free,
compulsory and quality education for all children, and social protection for all.
Petro Poroshenko, billionare owner of the Roshen chocolates group, who is also popular as
Chocolate King, sworn in as the Ukraine President. Poroshenko offered political concessions to
people in the conflictridden east and said he did not want war or revenge. Mr Poroshenko made an
ardent appeal for the unity of the country.
He held that he has told Russian President that Crimea, which Moscow has annexed, would “always
be Ukrainian”.Mr. Poroshenko has assumed power at a time when Crimea which was part of Ukraine
until now, has now been annexed by Russia.
In the elections to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage, held on June 4, 2014 at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris by the General Assembly of
member states, India has been elected for the next 4 years (20142018). Out of the 142 member
states present and voting, India won a decisive 135 votes. India got the maximum number of votes
midst the ten nations that fought the election and won.
The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage has
24 members who are chosen for a term of 4 years. The primary tasks of the Committee are to
protect the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), safeguarding esteem for the intangible cultural
heritage of nations, groups and individuals, as also to increase responsiveness at the local, national
and international levels of the significance of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
India has been elected to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage for the second time (previous term being from 20062010).
The Obama administration showed notable environment directives for clipping carbon pollution from
power plants by 30%, stimulating vision for a global agreement to end climate change. The fresh
rules, officially declared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), characterise the first time
Barack Obama, or any other President, has been motivated to control carbon pollution from power
plants. Power plants are the biggest single source of Carbon dioxide (CO2) discharges that trigger
climate change.
The directives, which would slash carbon pollution from power plants by 30% from 2005 levels by
2030, would combat climate change whilst furnishing US with steadfast and cheap power. Former US
VicePresident Al Gore on EPA Carbon Emissions Guidelines held that the novel rules were “the
most important step taken to combat the climate crisis in our country’s history”.
The guidelines would hopefully prove to be a critical step to dealing with climate change. Power
plants are the largest single source of carbon pollution, accounting for nearly 40% of the emissions
that trigger climate change.
At present, in US there are no national restrictions to the amount of carbon pollution that Power
plants can pump into the atmosphere. Albeit, CO2 from power plants had been falling since 2005,
owing to the economic recession and the shift from coal to inexpensive natural gas.
Thus, these directives would put US on passage for long term and longterm cuts to carbon pollution.
These fresh standards would also send a strong communication across the world that it’s occasion to
face the universal risk of climate change.The rules could affect 1,600 power plants across US. About
600 of these operate on coal, including many that are nearly 50 years old and will have the most
difficulty meeting the new standards.
States and Power companies will have a variety of alternatives to accomplish the new standards:
substituting coal by cleanerburning natural gas; establishing capandtrade markets; increasing
renewables such as wind and solar power; or boosting customers to consume less energy by
switching to more effective heating and cooling appliances. States will have to come up with a plan till
2016 to mee the goals. Some states will have less gogetting targets, while others will have more.
But the lobby groups for the coal industry, which will be hit toughest by the fresh directions, held that
the directives would upset the economy and lead to power outages. The Republicans also held the
fresh benchmarks would “kill coal” and eventually lead to power outages.
Mahindra Group Chairman Anand G Mahindra became the first Indian to be honoured with
the prestigious Harvard Medal for his ‘dedication, generosity and service’ to the university. In
1977, Mahindra is an alumnus of the HarvardUniversity. He graduated with Honours (Magna Cum
Laude) from Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts. He completed his MBA from the Harvard
Business School, Boston, Massachusetts in 1981.
Mahindra is the Cofounder of the Harvard Business School (HBS) Association of India and he is also
a instituting member of the university’s South Asia Institute (SAI), the HBS India Research Center,
and the SAI field office in Mumbai, India. In 2010, Mahindra made a gift of $10 million to the
Humanities Centre which was then renamed the Mahindra Humanities Center in honor of his mother,
Indira Mahindra.
SBI Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya is amongst the 5 Indian women who featured in this year’s
Forbes’ 100 most powerful women in the world list. The list was topped by German Chancellor
Angela Merkel.
Indian women in the list:
Indra Nooyi (Pepsi Co – 13th) (Indian Born but US Citizen now)
Arundhati Bhattacharya (SBI – 36th)
Chanda Kocchar (ICICI Bank– 43rd)
Padamshree Warrior (Cisco – 71st)
Kiran Mazumdar (Biocon – 92nd) (Indian Born but US Citizen now)
Top 10 Most Powerful Women in the World:
1. Angela Merkel (Germany – Politics)
2. Janet Yellen (US – Finance)
3. Melinda Gates (US – Philanthropy/NGO)
4. Dilma Rousseff (Brazil – Politics)
5. Christine Lagarde (France – Philanthropy/NGO)
6. Hillary Clinton (US – Politics)
7. Mary Barra (US – Business)
8. Michelle Obama (US – Politics)
9. Sheryl Sandberg (US – Technology)
10. Virginia Rometty (US – Technology)
According to new research, certain forms of Vitamin A can be harmful for the lungs while certain other
can be helpful in normal functioning of lungs. The research has found that a form of Vitamin E found
in vegetable oils like Corn and Canola can harm lungs, while another form of the same vitamin found
in Olive Oil can aid normal functioning of lungs. The scientists claimed that this could be one of the
reasons why studies of the health effects of the vitamin have had given conflicting results so far.
Vitamin E exists in various forms called tocopherols and it is found in fats and oils. Supplements of
the vitamin may contain a single type of tocopherol, or a mix. The study found that a form of the
vitamin called ‘gamma tocophero’, which is found in corn, canola and soybean oils, are harmful for
lungs.
The research suggests that consumers who use the vitamin and doctors who prescribe must be
careful towards the source and formulation of the vitamin. It is sometimes mentioned on the labels of
supplements, but not always.
After being victorious in the recently held presidential polls in Malawi, Peter Mutharika (74) was
sworn in as the new President of the southern African country. He will replace outgoing President
Joyce Banda.
Malawi (“The Warm Heart of Africa”)
Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It shares
its boundaries with Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the
east, south and west. Malawi is known as “The Warm Heart of Africa”.
Capital: Lilongwe
President: Joyce Banda
Currency: Malawian kwacha
Official language: English Language
Malawi is amongst the world’s leastdeveloped countries. Malawi’s economy is highly dependent on
agriculture, and majority of the population is rural. The government depends heavily on foreign aid to
meet its development needs.
Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej (86) has backed the army chief General Prayuth Chanocha,
who captured power in a coup, to run Thailand.
Why is Thailand under military rule?
The political situation in Thailand has been restive for past few months. At present, the country is
under junta rule (army rule) after army seized power in a recent coup. According to its Army, the
military has taken control of the government and suspended the constitution in order to reinstate
order and enact political reforms.
There has been agitation in the country with the opposition accusing the current democratically
elected government of corruption and demanding its dissolution. The coup comes after months of
surging tensions. The cabinet has been directed to report to the military and gatherings of more than
five people have been prohibited.
Have there been coups before in Thialand?
Yes, this is the 12th military coup since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932. The last coup was
witnessed in 2006, when then PM Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted by the army after he was accused
of corruption. Many accuse the army of being kind to the cause of his opponents in the current anti
government drive.
What are the roots of the Thailand crisis?
The politics in Thailand is polarized with mostly rural, often poor, supporting Mr Thaksin, whereas, the
urban middle class is against him.
Ever since Mr Thaksin’s regime was toppled in 2006, there have been regular protests. But in the
past few years the focus has been on the current Thaksinaligned Pheu Thai government.
The protests began to aggravate into violence in November 2013, after the lower house passed a
controversial amnesty bill which, as per critics, could make possible Mr Thaksin’s return from exile
without serving time in jail.
As per the antigovernment camp, at least 28 people have died since then.
The situation exacerbated further in May 2014, after a controversial court judgment removed Mr
Thaksin’s sister Yingluck from her position as Prime Minister, saying she had abused her power by
illegally transferring the National Security Chief to another position.
Affairs Today
In a latest development showing how much the technology has mingled with sports, Brazuca– the
balls to be used in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil has been designed with six inbuilt HD
cameras to capture 360 degree view of the onfield action.
Brazuca has shades of blue, orange and green, and stars on it reflecting the vibrancy and flair
associated with the game in the Mecca of football. This time the ball is said to have much improved
touch and accuracy. The technology involves a new structural innovation with a unique symmetry of
six identical panels alongside a different surface structure that will provide improved grip, touch,
stability and aerodynamics on the pitch.
The US space agency has developed hightech cages to transport rodents from Earth to the
International Space Station (ISS) to enable researchers to study the longterm effects of
microgravity on mammalian Physiology. These Rodent Habitat modules will first fly in August
2014 aboard an unmanned SpaceX Dragon cargo ship.
The newly designed habitats allow carrying the animals to the space station as well as provide for
their longterm accommodation. Each habitat module accommodates 10 mice or six rats with all of
the basics they need to live comfortably aboard the station including water, food, lighting and fresh
air. A visible light and infrared video system enables the crew in space and researchers and
veterinarians on the ground to monitor behaviour and overall health of the rodents on a daily basis.
Since rodents physiology matches with that of humans and the former develop and age much faster
than humans, studying rodent model organisms will speed up the understanding of diseases that
may take years or decades to develop in humans. Furthermore, rodents may be studied in space
during different developmental stages of life. Spaceflight rodent studies are important for developing
countermeasures — procedures, drugs or devices — to protect health during spaceflight.
A draft UN resolution proposing Syrian crisis to be referred to the International Criminal Court
(ICC) has been vetoed by Russia and China. The two permanent members of the United Nations
Security Council (UNSC) ignored the support for the measure by 65 other countries and all other
members of the UNSC. It is the fourth time Russia has blocked a UNSC resolution on Syria.
The draft resolution was favored by 13 of the 15 members of the UNSC. Russia and China both cast
their vetoes – the power which is restricted to the 5 permanent members (Russia, China, the US,
France and the UK).
The Syrian conflict has caused an estimated loss of 160,000 lives and displaced millions of people
since it started in March 2011.
65 nations had appealed to all 193 UN member states to cosponsor the resolution, under which the
ICC would be empowered to investigate allegations of heinous crimes by the Syrian government, pro
government militias, and armed opposition groups.
The draft resolution was proposed by the France before the 15nation UN body. 13 votes were in
favour and 2 voted against the proposal.
As Syria is not a state party to the Rome Statute that established the ICC, the only way to refer its
case to the ICC is by the UN Security Council. So, France introduced the resolution among the
council members to refer Syrian Civil war to ICC.
For a draft resolution to be adopted by the UNSC, it needs 9 votes in favour and the absence of a
negative vote (veto) by any of the 5 permanent members of the Security Council.
Hockey pioneer and ‘Father of Malaysian Hockey’, Sultan Azlan Shah(86) passed away. He was
known for his stupendous contribution to the sport for over 41 years – both as a player and an
administrator.
His intense love for hockey inspired him to start the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in
1983. The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup began as a biennial event but became an annual event after 1998
and is hosted in the Perak capital of Ipoh.
Under his aegis, Malaysia hosted two hockey World Cups – 1975 and 2002 editions. In 1997, he was
elected as the president of the Asian Hockey Federation and he held the post until his death. He also
became the VicePresident of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in 1992 and served two
terms.
As per the data of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), during the financial
year 201314, India received $5.98 billion in FDI from Singapore, whereas it was $4.85 billion from
Mauritius. With this, Singapore has replaced Mauritius as the top contributor to India’s FDI. FDI
inflow recorded in 201314 is the highest ever received from Singapore since 200607 which
accounts for around 25% of total FDI inflow in India.
Experts believe that the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Singapore
incorporates LimitofBenefit (LoB) clause which has provided comfort to overseas investors based
there. LoB clause in IndiaSingapore treaty justifies the substance in Singaporean entities, bringing
certainty and avoiding possibilities of litigations.
FDI inflows from Mauritius have begun enervating on apprehensions over the impact of General Anti
Avoidance Rules (GAAR) and possible renegotiation of the tax avoidance treaty. The debatable
General Anti Avoidance Rules provision, which seeks to curb tax avoidance by investors routing their
funds through tax havens, will come into effect from April 1, 2016 in India. The rule will be applicable
to entities claiming tax benefit of at least Rs 3 crore. It will apply to Foreign Institutional Investors
(FIIs) that have claimed benefits under any DTAA.
The DTAA signed between India and Mauritius DTAA is under revision amid concerns that Mauritius
is being used for roundtripping of funds into India even though that country has always maintained
that there have been no strong evidence of any such misuse.
About 5.5 million babies (around 3 million neonates + 2.6 million stilbirths) die every year globally.
Every day, about 8,000 neonates die and about 7, 000 are stillbirths. Stillbirths occur at about 28
weeks of gestation and also during labor. Nearly half of all stillbirths are those who die during labour
just 5 minutes before birth.
Five countries account for half of all the newborn mortality across the world. These are:
1. India (highest): 7,79,000 deaths
2. Nigeria: 2,76,000
3. Pakistan: 2,02,400
4. China: 1,57,000
5. Democratic Republic of Congo: 1,18,000
While significant achievement has been made in reducing the number of deaths in children aged
underfive by half, the progress in bringing down the number of newborn deaths has been slower.
The progress is even worse in the case of stillbirths. Stillbirths are not counted in the Millennium
Development Goals.
What is shocking is that most of the 2.6 million stillbirths every year across the globe go
unrecorded as in most countries stillbirths do not get birth or death certificates, which makes
these births and deaths “invisible”.
Japan clinched its first Thomas Cup defeating Malaysia in the final match held at Siri Fort Sports
Complex in New Delhi. Japan defied all the odds and pretournament predictions to carve their name
in history winning their first Thomas Cup.
The 2014 Thomas & Uber Cup was the 28th tournament of the Thomas Cup and 25th tournament of
the Uber Cup, the prestigious badminton team championships for men and women
respectively. The Thomas Cup (World Men’s Team Championships), is an international badminton
competition.
This was the first time India hosted both the events i.e. Thomas Cup and Uber Cup.
Real Madrid clinched the Champions League for a record 10th time beating Atletico Madrid in the final
match held in Lisbon, Portugal.
The UEFA Champions League which is popular as Champions League, is an annual continental
club football competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) since
1992. It is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world and the most prestigious club event
in European football.
Real Madrid has been the most successful club in the competition’s history, having won the
tournament 10 times, including its first five editions. Spanish clubs have achieved the highest number
of wins (14), followed by England and Italy (12 wins each).
The development of China’s Maritime Silk Road will be supported by 10 billion yuan (1.6 billion US
dollars). The city government of Fuzhou, capital of east China’s Fujian province, inked a pact with
the China Africa Development Fund (CAD Fund) and the Fujian branch of the China Development
Bank to establish a joint fund.
Chinese President Xi Jinping had proposed a 21st century maritime Silk Road during his visit to
Indonesia in October 2013. The sea route from ports in Fujian to overseas markets has been
providing China a channel to trade its silk, ceramics and tea to the world for centuries.
The fund will aid such projects as establishing marine aquaculture farms and industrial parks in
SouthEast Asian countries.
The CAD Fund is a private equity fund that is devoted to bridging and connecting China and Africa,
as well as governments and companies. It is specialized in operating funds on crosscountry
cooperation projects.
Maritime Silk Road development project
The project is an initiative by China to resurrect the ancient maritime Silk Road. It is perceived to be
an attempt by China to ameliorate relations with South and Southeast Asia—in this case the focus is
on maritime trade security. The project will prioritize construction ports and infrastructure in
strategically significant countries in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region, which includes
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. China has already begun building of port projects in Gwadar (Pakistan),
Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and Chittagong (Bangladesh) respectively.
However, the map of the project does not show Gwadar port though it mentioned Kolkata and
Colombo as cities with which China to build closer trade linkages.
Through this project China also plans to establish free trade zones connecting China’s coastal areas
with Southeast Asian nations and in the Indian Ocean. These are the regions with which China had
trade relations through ancient maritime Silk Road.
Importance for China
The global economic crisis and domestic social problems have rendered China’s current export and
FDIdriven economic model less effective. China needs to search for new export markets or maintain
existing ones, as well as narrow the development gaps between the welldeveloped coastal areas
and the lessdeveloped inland parts of the country and preserve stability inside China and its
neighbourhood. This is the main reason why the Chinese current leadership has launched this
project.
Route of proposed Maritime Silk Road
Starts: Quanzhou (Fujian province)
Via: Guangzhou (Guangdong province) — Beihai (Guangxi) — Haikou (Hainan)—turns south to
Malacca Strait– Kuala Lumpur – Kolkata (crosses Indian Ocean) –Nairobi (Kenya) – towards north
around Horn of Africa—through Red Sea—Mediterranean Sea—Athens– meets the landbased Silk
Road in Venice.
Gujarat’s famous archeological monument “Rani ki Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell)” is among five
international heritage sites to be recreated digitally using latest technology in Scotland, UK. The
Scottish Ten — an ambitious fiveyearproject aims to create accurate digital models of Scotland’s
five Unescodesignated World Heritage Sites and five international heritage sites in order to help in
conservation and management of these sites.
The digital models will help conserve significant historical sites for the benefit of future
generations and provide 3D digital models and data to site staff to better preserve these
sites. The laser scanning measurements will enable identification of problems and rate of decay of
the monuments which can then be addressed quickly. Scotland hopes that digitally documenting
stepwell would bring the site to a much wider audience and enhance both its national and
international profile.
India’s Mobile Seva Project started by Department of Electronics and Information Technology
(DeitY) has won the 2014 United Nations Public Service Award. The award has been given in the
category of promoting whole of government approaches in Information Age.
The United Nations Public Service Awards is the most prestigious international recognition of
excellence in public service. It honors the creative achievements and contributions of public service
institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries across the
world. These awards promote the role, professionalism and visibility of public service through an
annual competition.
The Mobile Seva Project is lead by Dr. Rajendra Kumar, joint secretary (eGovernance), Deit. It was
launched in January 2012, and won in second prize the category “Promoting Whole of
Government Approaches in the Information Age” for Asia Pacific.
The project mainly develops and provides mobile apps for government and citizen use.
Available on the government website, mgov.gov.in, some of the active 299 apps include those for
passport services, election commission or more. For example, the passport service app –mPassport
Seva facilitates users to locate centres, calculate fee for a particular service, track application status
and more. There are other apps for intradepartmental use like the employee Leave Management
System app, currently live only for Rajasthan. The project covers over 1,000 government
departments and agencies from across the country.
The first prize in the category was bagged by the Korean health and welfare information service.
Researchers at Rice University in the US accidentally created microscopic diamonds from coal
which exist only for some seconds. Scientists witnessed this intriguing effect while working on ways
to chemically reduce carbon from anthracite coal and make it soluble. They used a powerful electron
beam for the purpose knocking the hydrogen atoms off the coal. Surprisingly, the energy input
brought clusters of hydrogenated carbon atoms together, some of which transformed into the lattice
like structure of nanodiamonds. Even without the kind of pressure needed to make macroscale
diamonds, the energy knocked loose hydrogen atoms to kick off a chain reaction between layers of
graphite in the coal that resulted in diamonds between 2 and 10 nanometres wide.
But the most of the nanodiamonds were seen to fade away under the power of the electron beam in
a succession of images taken over 30 seconds. The small diamonds are not stable and they revert to
the starting material, the anthracite.
An exhibition marking 100 years of World War I (WW I) has been organized at the German
Historical Museum, Berlin (Germany). The exhibition will run until the end of 2014. It will take
overall view of the war like events leading up to the war, the war itself and the consequence (both
from a European and a global perspective). The WW I began on June 28, 1914 and ended in 1918.
It puts on display around 500 objects of WW I, including paintings of soldiers, royalty of Europe at the
time and antiwar protests. Weapons and historical documents are also being displayed in the
exhibition.
The exhibition looks at the escalation of violence through 14 major battlefields of WW I, including
Verdun and Gallipoli. It also focuses at the effect of the modernization of warfare during World War I,
where poison gas was used for the first time (in Ypres, Belgium), and its physical and mental effect
on soldiers and civilians.
Around 9 million people lost their lives in the WW I. It was during this war that the major ideologies of
the 20th century– Communism, Fascism, Nazism, emerged.
Donald Levine (86), the man credited as the father of G.I. Joe (toy) for developing the world’s first
action figure, passed away. As the head of research and development at toy manufacturer Hasbro,
Levine led the team which developed the figure – complete with 21 moving parts that made it popular
among kids. Mr Levine was not the inventor of the iconic toy, that was merchandiser Stan Weston,
but he gauged its potential and developed the model as a mass seller. G.I. Joe first hit the shelves of
American toy shops in Christmas 1964, and was an instant success.
G.I.Joe
G.I. Joe is a range of action figures produced by the toy manufacturing company Hasbro. The term
G.I. stands forGovernment Issued and after the First World War became a common term for U.S.
soldiers. G.I. Joe was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong in Rochester, New
York, in 2003.
Scientists have discovered why olive oil reduces blood pressure. As per a new research, consuming
unsaturated fats, like those in olive oil, along with leafy greens and other vegetables forms a certain
kind of fatty acid that lowers blood pressure. These nitro fatty acids are created when consuming
spinach, celery and carrots that contain nitrates and nitrites, along with avocado, nuts and olive oils
that contain healthy fats.
Nitro fatty acids appear to inhibit an enzyme known as soluble epoxide hydrolase which regulates
blood pressure . Scientists can now explain why previous research found that a Mediterranean diet
supplemented with extravirgin olive oil or nuts can reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular
problems like stroke, heart failure and heart attacks.
Thus far, it was only known that the Mediterranean diet which consists of lots of vegetables, fish,
grains, red wine and fatty nuts and oils is salubrious, there has been little scientific consensus about
how or why.
The voters in Switzerland turned down the proposals to introduce the world’s highest minimum wage
and also blocked spending of $3.5 billion for buying new Gripen fighter jets from Saab. Saab Group
(originally Svenska Aeroplan AB, later SAAB) is a Swedish aerospace and defence company was
founded in 1937. About 76% voters rejected the proposal made by Swiss union SGB and backed by
the Socialist and Green parties for a minimum wage of 22 Swiss francs ($25) per hour.
Around 53% blocked a plan to replace Switzerland’s senescent fleet of fighter jets with 22 Gripen jets
from Saab. Had the proposal been accepted, it would have led to job cuts, particularly in remote and
structurally weaker regions.
The initiative was proposed to address a widening income gap in the generally egalitarian country.
Though voters approved giving shareholders a binding say on executive pay, but rejected a proposal
to cap the salaries of top executives at 12 times that of a company’s lowest wage.
Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has cancelled a visit to Chibok, the town from where more
than 200 schoolgirls have been abducted by militant Islamist group Boko Haram. Jonathan has been
criticised for not visiting the town – more than a month after the girls were abducted.
The president will now go direct to Paris to participate in a meeting convened by French President
Francois Hollande to discuss the issue of Boko Haram militants.
Around 276 female students were abducted from the Government Secondary School in the town of
Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria on the night of April 1415, 2014. Boko Haram, an Islamic Jihadist,
and Takfiri terrorist organization based in northeast Nigeria have claimed these kidnappings. Boko
Haram, had earlier said the girls should not have been at school and should be married instead.
Boko Haram:
It is a militant Islamist group Boko Haram active mainly in Nigeria and is responsible for wreaking
mayhem in the country through a series of bombings, assassinations and now kidnappings. It
intends to bring down the government and create an Islamic state.
Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it “haram”, or forbidden, for Muslims to
participate in any political or social activity associated with Western society. This includes voting in
elections, wearing shirts and rousers or receiving a secular education.
The group was set up in 2002 as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati walJihad, which in Arabic means
“People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad”. It was dubbed Boko
Haram, a phrase in the local Hausa language meaning, “Western education is forbidden”.
US private firm SpaceX’s unmanned Dragon capsule undocked from the International Space
Station (ISS), to return to Earth. The capsule is carrying more than 1,580 kilograms of science
samples and NASA’s old equipment.
NASA depends on SpaceX and other private companies to replace the Space Shuttles, which were
finally retired in July 2011, and had brought supplies and astronauts to and from the space station.
SpaceX has signed a $1.6 billion deal with NASA for a total of 12 of supply missions. SpaceX,
Boeing and Sierra Nevada have also been engaged by NASA to develop private space ships
capable of transporting people to the space station and other destinations in orbit, with a launch
expected in 2017. That would end the US reliance on Russia’s Soyuz capsules to carry US
astronauts to and from the space station, at a cost of $70 million per person.
Scientists in the UK have discovered how to turn light into matter. Until now, it was not practically
shown what was theorized by scientists G Breit and John A Wheeler in 1934 the simplest
technique of turning light into matter — by colliding only two particles of light (photons), to create an
electron and a positron. It has never been observed in a lab and past experiments as it
necessitates the addition of massive highenergy particles.
Scientists from Imperial College London have unraveled the theory. They will perform a ‘Photon
Photon Collider’ experiment to prove this in practise. The experiment would recreate a process that
was significant in the first 100 seconds of the universe, also seen in gamma ray bursts — the biggest
explosions in the universe and one of physics’ greatest unsolved puzzles.
Two main steps of ‘Photon Photon Collider’ experiment:
1. Using an extremely powerful highintensity laser to speed up electrons to just below the speed of
light and then shoot these electrons at a slab of gold to create a beam of photons a billion times
more energetic than visible light.
2. Firing a highenergy laser at the inner surface of a tiny gold can called a hohlraum to create a
thermal radiation field, generating light similar to the light emitted by stars.
The photon beam from the first stage would be directed through the centre of the can, causing the
photons from the two sources to collide and form electrons and positrons. It would then be possible
to observe the formation of the electrons and positrons when they exited the can.
This discovery would help in understanding how we can create matter directly from light using the
technology.
According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), India will overtake Japan to become the
world’s third largest oil consumer behind the US and China by 2025.
As per EIA’s Annual Energy Outlook:
India’s oil consumption will increase from 3.68 million barrels per day (bpd), or 173.5 million
tonnes, in 2012 to 5.19 million bpd in 2025, catching up with Japan’s 4.38 million bpd
consumption. Japan consumed 4.75 million bpd of oil in 2012.
At present, India is the fourth largest oil consumer in the world behind the US, China and Japan.
Though the US will remain the world’s biggest oil consumer but its demand growth will be almost
negligible.
With 3% compounded annual growth rate, India’s oil consumption growth rate from 2012 to 2040
will be highest in the world. Its oil consumption will reach 6.11 million bpd in 2030 and 8.33 million
bpd in 2040.
India meets around 80% of India’s oil requirements through imports.
In 2013, India overtook Japan as the world’s thirdbiggest importer of crude oil.
According to International Energy Agency, India will become the world’s largest oil importer by
2020.
Google’s Android version of Gmail app has become the first individual smartphone app to pass
one billion installations on Android devices. The rankings were done by Google Play Store which
ranks apps by downloads in different ranges and the Gmail Android app figured into the one to five
billion bracket.
The figure doesn’t take into account updates, so there is no doublecounting when an update is
provided. And the Google Play services app is disqualified from the counting, as it is required as part
of the Google Play Store.
Many groups of apps, such as Outfit7’s range of Talking Friends apps, have already passed the one
billion downloads, but downloaded of an individual app one billion times is unprecedented. In 2012,
the Angry Birds collection of games passed one billion downloads.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have succeeded in replicating
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) which contained artificially inserted synthetic pair of DNA “letters,” or
bases, not found in nature. It was done through an engineered E. coli bacterium which replicated
the unnatural semisynthetic DNA. Replication is the process whereby DNA makes a copy of itself
before cell division.
Scientists have been working for long to identify bases other than organic that could serve as new,
functional DNA bases and could code for proteins and organisms that have never existed before.
Generally, organisms on earth have natural nucleoside basepairs adeninethymine and cytosine
guanine which forms their DNA.
This experiment was lead by TSRI Associate Professor Floyd E. Romesberg. In 2008, his lab had
identified sets of nucleoside molecules that can hook up across a doublestrand of DNA practically as
comfortably as organic base pairs (A, T, C, G) and showed that DNA containing these unnatural base
pairs can replicate in the presence of the correct enzymes. In the following year, the researchers had
been able to locate enzymes that transcribe this semisynthetic DNA into RNA. But all this was carried
out in vitro (in test tube) and this time they wanted to see them working in the significantly extra
complicated atmosphere of a living cell.
Latest Experiment:
This time scientists engineered a stretch of circular DNA known as a plasmid and inserted it into cells
of the typical bacterium E. coli. The plasmid DNA contained allnatural TA and CG base pairs along
with the unnatural base pair Romesberg’s lab had discovered, two molecules identified as d5SICS
and dNaM. The objective was to get the E. coli cells to replicate this semisynthetic DNA as typically
as possible.
Why it is not easy to get a DNA with synthetic base pair/pairs replicated in a living cell?
There are a number of obstacles in making a living cell replicate a semisynthetic DNA. Any functional
new pair of DNA bases would have to bind with an affinity comparable to that of the natural
nucleoside basepairs adeninethymine and cytosineguanine. Such new bases also would have to
line up stably alongside the natural bases in a zipperlike stretch of DNA. They would be required to
unzip and rezip smoothly when worked on by natural polymerase enzymes during DNA replication
and transcription into RNA. And somehow these nucleoside interlopers would have to avoid being
attacked and removed by natural DNArepair mechanisms.
In this experiment, as d5SICS and dNaM are not naturally in cells, the building blocks for their
replication had to be provided artificially, by adding them to the fluid resolution outside the cell. To
get the creating blocks, recognized as nucleoside triphosphates, into the cells, scientists had to find
unique triphosphate transporter molecules.
Challenges tackled:
In a significant breakthrough, scientists found a triphosphate transporter, created by a species of
microalgae, that was efficient at importing the unnatural triphosphates. Surprisingly, the semi
synthetic plasmid replicated and did not greatly hamper the development of the E. coli cells, and
showed no sign of losing its unnatural base pairs to DNA repair mechanisms.
Importantly, this process can be performed in a controlled manner as it was found that when the flow
of the unnatural triphosphate transporter or building blocks is stopped, the DNA reverts to normal A,
T, G, C base pairs and the d5SICS and dNaM disappear from the genome.
Possible Applications:
In future this research could be useful in encoding new proteins produced from new, unnatural amino
acids—which would give us higher power than ever to design protein therapeutics and diagnostics
and laboratory reagents to have desired functions. Other applications, such as nanomaterials, are
also possible.
Five recognized nuclear weapon states China, France, Russia, UK and USA inked the Protocol to
the Central Asian NuclearWeaponFreeZone (CANWFZ) Treaty in New York, marking a major
positive development in the global nonproliferation efforts. The treaty was signed on the sidelines of
the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty (NPT) Preparatory Committee Meeting at the United Nations.
CANWFZ Treaty
The CANWFZ Treaty was inked on September 8, 2006 in Semipalatinsk by the five Central Asian
nations – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It came into force
on March 21, 2009. As chair of the CANWFZ Treaty, Kazakhstan has steered the negotiations with
the five nuclear states on behalf of its Central Asian neighbors.
CentralAsian parties to the CANWFZ treaty aim to make the region a nuclearweapon free zone. For
the zone to be recognized internationally, it also requires to get the socalled negative
guarantees from the five nuclear weapon countries, meaning legallybinding assurances not to
use nuclear weapons against the parties of the treaty and not to use the threat of the use of nuclear
weapons against them. The Protocol signed on May 6, 2014 in New York provides all these
guarantees. The Protocol awaits ratification by the parliaments of the signing states enter into effect.
The CANWFZ Treaty complements the NPT and strengthens the international nonproliferation
regime by forbidding, among other things, the development and testing of nuclear weapons within
Central Asia. Under the CANWFZ Treaty, the five Central Asian zone states may not allow
the stationing of nuclear weapons within their territories. The Central Asian states are also
mandated to adopt the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Additional Protocol, which provides
the IAEA with increased access and power to ensure that all nuclear activities are used only for
peaceful purposes.
Other NuclearWeapons Free Zones in the World
Apart from the newly created CentralAsian zone, there are four other nuclear weapons free zones in
the world, including in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, SouthEast Asia and the South
Pacific. The Central Asian zone is different from the other four in a way that it is the only such zone
fully located in the northern hemisphere, the only zone adjoining two nuclear weapon states, Russia
and China, and the only zone where nuclear weapons once existed, until Kazakhstan relinquished
the weapons it inherited from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.
In the latest released Forbes ‘Global 2000’ list, Mukesh Ambaniled Reliance Industries leads the
set of 54 Indian companies in the annual list of the world’s 2000 largest and most powerful public
companies. The top three positions of the list is occupied by the Chinese companies.
The Forbes ‘Global 2000’ is a comprehensive list of the world’s largest, most powerful public
companies, as measured by revenues, profits, assets and market value.
Some notable points from Forbes ‘Global 2000’:
World’s top three biggest public companies and five of the top 10 are from China.
564 companies enlisted are from the US which marks its dominance as the country with the most
Global 2000 companies.
Japan follows the US with 225 companies in total.
India is home to 54 of the world’s biggest companies.
Reliance Industries, with a market value of $ 50.9 billion and $ 72.8 billion in sales, ranked 135.
State Bank of India ranked 155 with a $ 23.6 billion market value.
Some other Indian companies making it to the list are: Oil and Natural Gas ranked 176, ICICI
Bank (304), Tata Motors (332), Indian Oil (416), HDFC Bank (422), Coal India (428), Larsen &
Toubro (500), Tata Consultancy Services (543), Bharti Airtel (625), Axis Bank (630), Infosys (727),
Bank of Baroda (801), Mahindra & Mahindra (803), ITC (830), Wipro (849), Bharat Heavy Electricals
(873), GAIL India (955), Tata Steel (983), Power Grid of India (1011), Bharat Petroleum (1045), HCL
Technologies (1153), Hindustan Petroleum (1211), Adani Enterprises (1233), Kotak Mahindra Bank
(1255), Sun Pharma Industries (1294), Steel Authority of India (1329), Bajaj Auto (1499), Hero
Motocorp (1912), Jindal Steel & Power (1955), Grasim Industries (1981) and JSW Steel (1990).
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra and several cabinet ministers have been
ordered to resign by the Constitutional Court of the country. The court ordered that Ms Yingluck
acted illegally when she transferred her national security chief Thawil Pliensri to another position in
2011. The order has come after months of political impasse. Antigovernment protesters have been
trying to topple Ms Yingluck regime since November 2013. The remaining cabinet members have
nominated the commerce minister to replace Ms Yingluck. Ms Yingluck had been accused of abuse
of power in improperly transferring Thawil Pliensri, her national security chief appointed by the
oppositionled administration, in 2011.
Political situation in Thailand:
Thailand has been undergoing a power struggle since Ms Yingluck’s brother, Thaksin Shinawatra
who was PM was thrown out in 2006 by a military coup. Mr Thaksin and his family are detested by
some urban and middleclass elites who accuse them of corruption and abuse of power. But Mr
Thaksin’s policies hugely popular in rural areas won both the elections since the coup have returned
Thaksinallied governments to power. Court rulings have, in the past, been a key factor amid political
turmoil in Thailand.
Gary Becker (83), a professor in University of Chicago who was conferred the Nobel Prize in
economic sciences in 1992, passed away. He is credited for his pathbreaking approach to
economics as the study of human behavior. Becker applied his economic analysis to a wide array
of human behavior and interactions. He also studied issues such as marriage and divorce, crime and
punishment, addiction and household decisions.
Before 1950s, most experts considered habit and often emotion or irrationality as the main factors in
human behavior such as having children or committing crimes. It was Becker who theorized that
human behavior follows the same rational principles, whether it involves a household, a business or
an organization. Although initially his views were received skeptically, his work influenced sociology,
demography and criminology.
The US space agency NASA plans to grow plants on the International Space Station (ISS) by the
end of year 2014. Astronauts on board will be able to grow plants with the help of the Veggie “plant
pillows” taken to the ISS during a recent supply mission. This will be the first time NASA astronauts
will taste something grown in orbit.
Until now, all supplies to the ISS have been transported from Earth. Veggie which is a deployable
vegetable production system is a popup greenhouse that can be packaged to the size of a briefcase
during launch. The main obstruction to growing plants in space is the absence of gravity, since the
soil tends to float away. The solution has been to design the equivalent of something like a ‘grow bag’
which NASA describes as “plant pillows”. Two of the three plant pillows sent to ISS contain seeds for
a variety of red romaine lettuce called Outredgeous, the third has the flowering plant zinnia.
The existence of element 117 “Ununseptium (Uus)” has been confirmed by the scientists at
the GSI accelerator laboratory in Germany, including those from India, who have created atoms of
the element. This confirmation succeeds the original discovery, made in 2010 by a joint US—Russian
team. The atoms were similar to the heaviest atoms ever observed, 40% heavier than an atom of
lead. The discovery marks a significant advancement towards the capability to observe still more
longlived superheavy nuclei, as expected to exist on the ‘Island of Stability’ of superheavy
elements.
Ununseptium(Uus)
Chemical Symbol: Uus
Atomic number: 117
CAS ID: 87658568
Chemical series: Period 7 element, Halogen
Superheavy elements: Elements with atomic number greater than 104 are referred to as Super
Heavy Elements. Although superheavy elements have not been found in nature, they can be created
by accelerating beams of nuclei and shooting them at the heaviest possible target nuclei. Fusion of
two nuclei – a very uncommon event – at times produces a superheavy element. Those currently
accessible generally only exist for a short time.
‘Island of Stability’: A theoretical concept of Nuclear Physics first propounded by Glenn T.
Seaborg in the late 1960s. As per this theory, the island of stability is a set of asyet undiscovered
heavier isotopes of transuranium elements which are supposed to be much more stable than some
of those closer in atomic number to uranium. Specifically, they are expected to have radioactive
decay halflives of minutes or days, with some researchers expecting halflives of millions of years.
Utility of this Experiment and discovery: The successful experiments on element 117 are an
important step on the path to the production and detection of elements situated on the ‘island of
stability’ of superheavy elements.
The UK has launched world’s biggest scanning project UK Biobank imaging study in which
100,000 British volunteers are participating to undergo a detailed imaging of their brain, heart and
vital organs to help researchers study a wide range of common, chronic and lifethreatening illnesses
like diabetes, cancer and heart disease. DNA has been collected from all the volunteers who will be
compared and crossreferenced with the scans.
What is the significance of this UK Biobank imaging study project?
The significance of this study lies in its huge size and the methodology being used to study wide
range of health conditions in humans. The study will enrich the doctors and scientists with
unprecedented level of information on wide range of illnesses, including dementia, heart disease,
cancer, arthritis, depression and eye and lung disorders over many years. The aim is to try to
improve the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. It will help scientists understand why one
person gets a disease and another does not.
As per the data released by the International Comparison Program (ICP) of the World Bank, India
replaced Japan to become the world’s thirdlargest economy in 2011. It was the tenth largest
economy in 2005. The US remained the largest economy closely followed by China.
According to ICP report:
Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs)based world GDP estimated at to $ 90,647 billion, compared
with $ 70,294 billion measured by exchange rates.
The 6 largest middleincome nations are China, India, Russia, Brazil, Indonesia and Mexico. The
economies account for 32.3% of world GDP.
Six largest highincome economies accounting for 32.9% of world GDP are:
1. The US
2. Japan
3. Germany
4. France
5. UK
6. Italy
Top 5 economies with the highest GDP per capita:
1. Qatar
2. Macao
3. Luxembourg
4. Kuwait
5. Brunei.
Top five economies with highest actual individual consumption per capita:
1. Bermuda
2. US
3. Cayman Islands
4. Hong Kong
5. Luxembourg
Asia and the Pacific, including China and India, account for 30% of world GDP. China, at 27%, has
the biggest share of the world’s expenditure for investment (gross fixed capital formation) followed by
the US at 13%. India, Japan and Indonesia follow with 7%, 4%, and 3%, respectively. The median
yearly per capita expenditure for the world is approximately $ 10,057. The world average actual
individual consumption per capita is approximately $ 8,647.
International Comparison Program (ICP):
ICP was established in Late 1960s, on the recommendation of the United Nations Statistical
Commission (UNSC) and hosted by the Development Data Group at the World Bank Group.
Objective: To compare the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of economies to determine those
economies’ relative size, productivity, and material wellbeing.
Methodology used by ICP:
Nations across the globe estimate their GDP at national price levels and in national currencies. Due
to variation in price levels and value of currency from one country to another these GDPs are not
comparable. In order to be comparable, they must be valued at a common price level and expressed
in a common currency. The ICP uses Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs) to effect this double
conversion.
2011 Indian Results:
2011 Global Results:
Click Here for Summary Report on “Purchasing Power Parities and Real Expenditures of World
Economies ICP”.
Click Here Excel File on ICP Data
Click Here for ICP Data Visualization (Graphs, Charts, etc.)
A research project named “SOLARJET” funded by the European Union (EU) has produced the
world’s first “solar” jet fuel from water and carbon dioxide (CO2). Scientists have for the first time
successfully showed the entire production chain for renewable kerosene, using concentrated light as
a hightemperature energy source. The project is still in nascent stage, with a glassful of jet fuel
produced in laboratory conditions, using simulated sunlight. However, researchers hope that in future
any liquid hydrocarbon fuels could be produced from sunlight, CO2 and water.
[icon name=”iconquestionsign”]How did the researchers produce jet fuel from sunlight?
In the SOLARJET experiment, researchers used concentrated light – simulated sunlight – to convert
carbon dioxide and water to Synthesis Gas (Syngas) in a hightemperature solar reactor containing
metaloxide based materials developed at ETH Zürich. The Syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and
carbon monoxide) was then converted into kerosene by Shell using the established “Fischer
Tropsch” process.
[icon name=”iconquestionsign”]What is the significance of SOLARJET Experiment?
This experiment aims to develop a technology through which we might one day produce cleaner and
plentiful fuel for planes, cars and other forms of transport. This could significantly enhance energy
security and turn one of the main greenhouse gases responsible for global warming into a useful
resource.
Muslim Brotherhood’s supreme guide, Mohamed Badie and 683 alleged supporters of the group
have been sentenced to death by an Egyptian judge. The judge confirmed the death sentences of 37
of 529 alleged supporters condemned earlier.
If the sentence is confirmed, Mohamed Badie, would be the most senior Brotherhood figure
sentenced to death since one of the group’s leading ideologues, Sayed Qutb, was sentenced and
executed in 1966.
The guilty verdict and death sentences are still subject to appeal at the Court of Appeal. It however,
gives a chance for a judge to change an initial sentence. As per Egyptian law, the death sentences
are confirmed by the presiding judge after a comment has been invited from the Grand Mufti of Al
Azhar, the country’s apex religious official.
The violence of which the defendants are accused happened on August 14, 2013 as news reached
Minya governorate that police had launched the deadly clearance of two sitins in Cairo, held by
supporters of former President Mohamed Morsi, who had recently been thrown out after mass
protests against his regime.
The Philippines and the United States inked a 10year Enhanced Defense Cooperation
Agreement (EDCA) to allow a bigger US military presence on Filipino territory. This pact would would
give U.S. forces temporary access to selected military camps and allow them to preposition fighter
jets and ships. It allows more US troops into the Philippines for joint military training exercises, but will
not permit Washington to set up a permanent base in the Philippines or bring in nuclear weapons to
the country.
Strategic importance of the Philippines and US deal:
The Philippines and China are locked in a dispute over the territorial ownership of atolls in the South
China Sea, part of a proliferation of maritime hotspots that has stirred up Asian tensions. In the
Philippine there are negative sentiments against China which accused of being increasingly
aggressive in asserting its claims to the sea. In the wake of these developments, the Philippines has
called on the US for greater military as well as diplomatic support. With surging regional uneasiness
over the implications of China’s rise, the Philippines has sought greater military ties with the US in
recent years.
Researchers in South Korea have created unique patterns made from tiny, randomly scattered silver
nanowires. The invention may be utilized to authenticate goods and deal with the problem of
counterfeiting.
[icon name=”iconquestionsign”]How nanoscale ‘fingerprints’ are made?
The nanoscale ‘fingerprints’ are made by synthesizing a solution containing individual silver
nanowires each with an average length of 10 to 50 µm, coating the nanowires with silica, doping
them with specific fluorescent dyes and then randomly dropping them onto a transferable film made
from flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
The fluorescent dyes allowed the patterns, which are invisible to the naked eye, to be visually
identified and authenticated under an optical microscope. These could be used to tag a variety of
goods from electronics and drugs to credit cards and bank notes.
[icon name=”iconquestionsign”]What are the merits of nanoscale ‘figerprints’?
As per the developers, the fingerprints are almost impossible to copy because of the natural
randomness of their creation and the difficulty linked with handling such small materials. The
fingerprints could also be tagged with a unique ID/ barcode, which could ease an immediate search
in a database and facilitate the process of authentication or counterfeit identification. As per
researchers, compared to other anticounterfeit methods, the fingerprints are cheap and simple to
manufacture. As per the World Customs Organisation, around 6% of global traded goods are
counterfeit, which the researchers believe could be curbed by using this new method to authenticate
goods.
A copy of the FIR registered against Bhagat Singh in the then Lahore SSP’s murder case in 1928 has
been sought here to prove the innocence of the legendary freedom fighter. Petitioner Imtiaz Rashid
Qureshi, chairman of the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation, had filed a petition seeking attested
copy of the FIR registered against Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru for allegedly killing then SSP John P
Saunders.
Qureshi said the Punjab police legal affairs office had records from 1895 to 1928. But the police did
not give him the FIR registered in 1928 when the SSP was killed. He said special judges of tribunal
handling Singh’s case awarded death sentence to him without hearing 450 witnesses in the case.
Singh’s lawyers were not given the opportunity of crossquestion them.
In March 1931, following his trial for involvement in the ‘Lahore conspiracy case’, the British
government hanged Singh at Shadman Chowk, aged 23.
A joint statement between Barack Obama (US) and Shinzo Abe (Japan) in Tokyo (Japan) has spotlit a
trilateral dialogue between Japan, India and the US for “peace and economic prosperity in the Asia
Pacific and around the globe“. Such a trilateral accord, Japan already has with Australia and South
Korea. The statement marks rising importance of the IndiaJapan ties. The next round of the US
IndiaJapan trilateral is scheduled for in June, 2014.
US and Japan agreed to strengthen cooperation in the following areas:
Settle maritime disputes in the South China Sea
Policy coordination to address global challenges viz. women’s empowerment, disaster risk
reduction, global health, climate change, counterterrorism, cyber policy, nuclear security, etc.
Building capacities for maritime safety and security to better enforce law, fight illegitimate
trafficking and weapons proliferation, and defend marine resources.
Cooperate in the field of disaster risk management especially grounded on the experience of the
Great East Japan Earthquake.
US looks forward to a reformed UN Security Council that includes Japan as a permanent member.
Strategic move India plans from IndiaJapanUS alliance:
India is preparing for a meeting of stakeholders from all 3 nations (India, US and Japan) to begin
infrastructure projects in the NorthEast states of India and which could be further extended through
Myanmar, Thailand and beyond. The thought behind India’s planned move is to build EastWest
connectivity to offset China’s NorthSouth ties in SouthEast Asia.
Australian scientists have discovered an entirely new brittle, translucent, orthorombic crystalline
structure, purple and translucent mineral “Putnisite,” in a surface outcrop at Polar Bear peninsula,
Southern Lake Cowan in Western Australia. It occurs as tiny crystals, smaller than 0.5 mm in
diameter, and is found on volcanic rock. It appears as dark pink spots on greenwhite rocks and
forms almost perfect cubeshaped crystals. At present it is unclear whether Putnisite will have any
practical applications.
Why discovery of “Putnisite” is different from the world’s known 4,000 minerals?
The discovery of “Putnisite” so special and different from from the world’s known 4,000 minerals is its
very strange combination of Strontium(Sr), Calcium(Ca), Chromium(Cr), Sulphur(S), Carbon(C),
Oxygen(O) and Hydrogen(H) elements, forming a kind of panoptic and distinctive formula
“SrCa4Cr83+(CO3)8SO4(OH)16•25H2O”. Thus, an unusual elemental combination is notable for its
dissimilarity from other known families of minerals.
India and 21 other countries adopted an agreement at ameliorating communication at sea to cut
down the possibility of conflict amid developing friction between a progressively assertive China and
its neighbours. Naval chiefs of these nations participated at the biennial conference of the Western
Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) held at Qingdao, China. Rear Admiral S N Ghormade,
represented Indian Navy at the meet.
The member nations adopted an agreement for:
Preventing miscommunication amongst naval vessels that could lead to enmities in the Pacific
Ocean.
How naval ships should communicate and manoeuvre when they accidentally come into contact in
sea lanes surrounding China, Japan and Southeast Asia
[icon name=”iconinfosign”]Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS)
Established in 1987 with objective to encourage cooperation amongst the navies of its member
nations, fortify mutual understanding and trust, and collectively safeguard regional maritime
security. WPNS constitutes navies whose nations border the Pacific Ocean region.
The WPNS has 21 member states:
1. Australia
2. Brunei
3. Cambodia
4. Canada
5. Chile
6. China
7. France
8. Indonesia
9. Japan
10. Malaysia
11. New Zealand
12. Papua New Guinea
13. Peru
14. Philippines
15. Republic of Korea
16. Russia
17. Singapore
18. Thailand
19. Tonga
20. US
21. Vietnam
India is an observer at WPNS and China is one of the WPNS’ founding members.
As per a study by the scientists from University of Cambridge, Human stem cells show a bizarre
property “Auxeticity” that was never before viewed at the cellular level. Auxeticity has never been
seen before at a cellular level.
[icon name=”iconquestionsign”]What is Auxeticity?
Nearly all materials compress when they are elongated, e.g. an elastic band gets thinner when
elongated. Now, the reverse is also true i.e. compressing a material expands it e.g., if we compress a
tennis ball, the circumference of the ball gets bigger.
Now, “Auxeticity” has the opposite effect: “Compress a material and it will contract, stretch the
material and it will expand”. Therefore, Auxetic materials act as fantabulous shock absorbers or
sponges, a concept that is being researched for several purposes.
[icon name=”iconquestionsign”]What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are a class of uniform cells that are capable to separate into specialized cell types. These
are “master cells” that have the ability to become nearly any of the 200 or so various cells in the
body. Embryonic stem cells are derived from early stage embryos and regarded as the “gold
standard” for research on stem cells. Generally, stem cells come from 2 key sources:
Embryos shaped during the blastocyst phase of embryological development (embryonic stem
cells)
Adult tissue (Adult or somatic stem cells)
Both types are in general qualified by their potency/ potential to separate into diverse cell types (viz.
bone, muscle, skin, etc.).
Source: http://www.nasa.gov/
NASA has discovered the first Earthsize planet in the “habitable zone” of another star. The newfound
planet, called “Kepler186f”, was first spotted by NASA’s Kepler space telescope and circles a dim red
dwarf star about 490 lightyears from Earth. Kepler186f is the outermost of 5 planets orbiting the star
Kepler186. Kepler186f orbits at a distance of 52.4 million km, theoretically within the habitable zone
for a red dwarf.
[icon name=”iconquestionsign”]What is a “Habitable Zone” ?
A Habitable Zone is the range of distance from a star where liquid water might pool on the surface of
an orbiting planet.
[icon name=”iconquestionsign”]Why the discovery of ‘Kepler186f’ is being considered a
special one?
The discovery of Kepler186f, in the habitable zone planet comparable to Earth in size , supports the
hypothesis that planets of the size of Earth subsist in the habitable zone of stars other than our sun
and thus, it is a substantial step towards discovering worlds like our planet Earth.
The 2014 edition of Wiesden Cricketers’ Almanack recently published has retired legend Sachin
Tendulkar on its cover. This is the 151st edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. Tendulkar also
became the first Indian cricketer to feature on the cover of the ‘Almanack’. Earlier Sachin was chosen
to feature on the cover of the 2nd edition of the ‘Wisden India Almanack’. The yellow page shows
Tendulkar walking out of the Wankhede stadium after playing his last innings against the West Indies
in November 2013.
Wisden has made a very interesting comparison of Tendulkar’s record with England Captain Alastair
Cook and Australian Captain Michael Clarke. In December 2013, in Perth (Australia) when for a few
moments:
1 Cook + 1 Clarke = 1 Tendulkar (i.e. 200 Test Matches with exactly 15,921 runs and 51
centuries).
[icon name=”iconinfosign”]Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack
Also simply called Wisden or colloquially “the Bible of Cricket” is a cricket reference book published
every year in the UK. In 2012, Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack’s Indian edition was launched.
Flight MH370 flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, went missing on March 8, 2014 with 239 people on
board. It lost contact with air traffic controllers over the South China Sea. The Bluefin21 robotic
submarine (Underwater Autonomous Vehicle) will explore for wreckage of the Flight MH370 in an
area defined by 4 ping signals from the flight’s Black Box heard a few days ago.
[icon name=”iconinfosign”]Bluefin21
The Bluefin21 is about 5mlong underwater autonomous vehicle that can produce a sonar map of
the sea floor. It is an extremely modular autonomous underwater vehicle with power to carry multiple
sensors and payloads at a time. It has a high energy capacity to carry extended operations even at
the greatest depths.
Applications
The World Bank has projected an economic growth rate of 5.7% in 201415 for India. World Bank
projected an acceleration of growth (factor costs) in FY 2014 to 4.8%, further increase to 5.7% in FY
2015
Rationale: This growth rate was projected by the World Bank owing to enduringly more competitive
exchange rate and advancement towards sanction of crucial investment projects.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had earlier forecast that Indian economy would recover
from 4.4% growth in 2013 to 5.4% in 2014. IMF had also quoted export competitiveness as
grounds for potential growth revival.
The World Bank held that in India the trouble is the banking sector’s growing exposure to company
debt. The concern is that this could finally impact the government’s finances via its possession of
state banks and the call for to shore up stressed but systemically important banks.
Ratan Tata (76), the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons and former chairman of the Tata Group,
honoured by Queen Elizabeth with a GBE (Knight Grand Cross), one of the UK’s highest civilian
awards. He is the only Indian among 5 foreigners to be awarded as part of the ‘Honorary British
Awards to Foreign Nationals’ for 2014.
In 2009, Mr. Tata was conferred a KBE (Knight Commander) by the Queen.
In 2008, the Tata Group under chairmanship of Ratan Tata had acquired the flagging British luxury
car brand Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The Tata Group has emerged as one of the largest employers in
Britain, employing nearly 60,000 people across Britain. Now in its 18th year, the Sir Ratan Tata
Fellowship works in collaboration with the London School of Economics.
Koyal Rana from Jaipur won the Miss India 2014 crown at the 51st edition of the beauty
pageant. The runners up were Jhataleka Malhotra (1st runnerup) from Mumbai and Gail Da’Silva
(2nd runnerup) from Goa. 2013 Miss India winner Navneet Kaur Dhillion and Miss World 2013
Megan Young crowned Rana the new Femina Miss India 2014.
Miss India or Femina Miss India is a national beauty pageant in India is organised by Femina, a
women’s magazine published by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. The winner of Femina Miss India goes
to compete globally for Miss World, while the first runner up goes to compete globally in Miss Earth,
and the second runner up goes to compete globally for Miss Supranational.
Name of the title Winners
Miss India World 2014 Koyal Rana
Miss India 2014 1st runner up Jhataleka Malhotra
Miss India 2014 2nd runner up Gail Da’Silva
List of the of sub contest winners:
Miss Multimedia: Irshikaa Mehrotra
Miss Beauty With Purpose: Koyal Rana
Miss Fashion Icon: Jantee Hazarika
Miss Vivacious: Tenneti Joga Bhanu
Miss Healthy Skin: Koyal Rana
Miss Timeless Beauty: Gail Dasilva
Miss Adventurous: Yoshiki Sindhar
Miss Beautiful Hair: Nikhila Nandgopal
Miss Congeniality: Aarpita Kaur
Miss Active: Nikhila Nandgopal
Miss Lifestyle: Sathitya Jagannathan
Miss Talented: Deepti Sati
Miss Body Beautiful: Lopamudra Raut
Miss Rampwalk: Varsha Gopal
Miss Photogenic: Jantee Hazarika
Miss Beautiful Smile: Irshikaa Merhotra
Miss Waterbaby: Mansi Grewal
Miss Iron Maiden: Deepti Sati
Miss Sudoku: Malati Chahar
Miss National Costume: Jhataleka Malhotra
World Health Day was celebrated all over the world on April 7, 2014. Theme for 2014 was “Vector
Borne Diseases (VBDs)”. The campaign for World Health Day this year is ‘small bite: big
threat’. Mosquitoes, flies, ticks and bugs may be a threat to your health – and that of your family – at
home and when travelling.
What are Vectors?
Vectors are organisms that are transmit pathogens and parasites from one infected person or
animal, to another e.g. mosquitoes, bugs, ticks, freshwater snails, etc.
Which VBDs (Vector Borne Diseases) are of concern especially in India?
As per WHO, VBDs make up for more than 17 % of diseases.
Some VBDs are almost present globally viz. malaria, dengue, schistosomiasis, Human African
trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis,
Onchocerciasis, etc.
In India, VBDs affecting people include malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, kalaazar,
lymphatic filariasis and chikungunya.
In India, issues related to these VBDs are addressed by the National Vector Borne Disease
Control Programme (NVBDCP), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare, Government of India.
People suffering from diabetes are more susceptible to VBDs because of the fact that high blood
sugar in their bodies (resulting in high susceptibility), and lower levels of immunity, makes them
more prone to VBDs.
World Health Day
World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7, under the sponsorship of the World Health
Organization (WHO), in order to focus on increasing the life expectancy by adding good health to the
lives of people and promoting healthier living habits. The First World Health Assembly was held by
WHO in 1948 where it was decided to celebrate April 7 (to mark WHO’s founding) of each year, with
effect from 1950, as the World Health Day.
Objective: April 7 every year is seen as an opportunity by the WHO to draw worldwide attention to a
subject of major importance to global health each year.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Formation: April 7, 1948
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Head: Margaret Chan
Parent Organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Themes of World Health Days:
1950:“Know your Health Services”.
1951:“Health for your Child and World’s Children”.
1952:“Healthy surroundings make Healthy people”.
1953:“Health is Wealth”.
1954:“The Nurse: Pioneer of Health”.
1955:“Clean water means better Health”.
1956:“Destroy disease carrying Insects”.
1957:“Food for All”.
1958:“Ten years of Health progress”.
1959:“Mental illness and Mental Health in the World of today”.
1960:“Malaria eradication – A world challenge”.
1961:“Accidents and their prevention”.
1962:“Preserve sight prevent Blindness”.
1963:“Hunger= Disease of millions”.
1964:“No Truce for Tuberculosis”.
1965:“Smallpox – constant alert”.
1966:“Man and his Cities”.
1967:“Partners in Health”.
1968:“Health in the World of Tomorrow”.
1969:“Health, Labor and Productivity”.
1970:“Early detection of Cancer saves Life”.
1971:“A full life despite Diabetes”.
1972:“Your Heart is your Health”.
1973:“Health begins at Home”.
1974:“Better food for a healthier World”.
1975:“Smallpox: Point of no return”.
1976:“Foresight Prevents Blindness”.
1977:“Immunize and protects your Child”.
1978:“Down with High Blood pressure”.
1979:“A healthy Child: A sure future”.
1980:“Smoking or Health: Choice is yours”.
1981:“Health for all by year 2000 AD”.
1982:“Add life to years”.
1983:“Health for all by year 2000 AD: Countdown has begun”.
1984:“Children’s Health: Tomorrow’s Wealth”.
1985:“Healthy Youth Our best Resource”.
1986:“Healthy living: Everyone a winner”.
1987:“Immunization: A chance for every Child”.
1988:“Health for All: All for Health”.
1989:“Let’s talk Health”.
1990:“Our Planet our Earth: Think Globally Act Locally”.
1991:“Should Disaster Strike, be prepared”.
1992:“Heart beat: A rhythm of Health”.
1993:“Handle life with care: Prevent violence and Negligence”.
1994:“Oral Health for a Healthy Life”.
1995:“Global Polio Eradication”.
1996:“Healthy Cities for better life”.
1997:“Emerging infectious diseases”.
1998:“Safe motherhood”.
1999:“Active aging makes the difference”.
2000:“Safe Blood starts with me”.
2001:“Mental Health: stop exclusion, dare to care”.
2002:“Move for health”.
2003:“Shape the future of life: healthy environments for children”.
2004:“Road safety”.
2005:“Make every mother and child count”.
2006:“Working together for health”.
2007:“International health security”.
2008:“Protecting health from the adverse effects of climate change”.
2009:“Save lives, make hospitals safe in emergencies”.
2010:“Urbanization and health: make cities healthier”.
2011:“Antimicrobial resistance: no action today, no cure tomorrow”.
2012:“Good health adds life to years”.
2013:“Healthy heart beat, Healthy blood pressure”.
2014:“Vectorborne diseases”.
Following Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region, NATO suspended all practical civilian and
military cooperation with Russia. Russia’s annexation is being considered as a threat to European
security.
The 28member NATO bloc gathered in Brussels (Belgium) for their first meeting since Russia’s
annexation of Crimea and stalwartly condemned Russia’s ‘illegal’ annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea
region. NATO is also considering options like situating permanent military bases in the Baltic States,
to restore confidence amongst the members in Eastern Europe.
Why NATO is suspending civilian and military cooperation with Russia?
Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region was being considered the solemnest hazard to
European security for quite sometime. Russia’s of Ukraine’s Crimea region has now fazed nerves in
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which were a part of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The Baltic
States which were a part of Soviet Union like Ukraine, whose Crimean territory was recently annexed
by Russia, also fear an annexation in future.
The map below shows the position of Ukraine, Crimea region, Russia and Baltic States (Estonia,
Latvia and Lithuania) in RED.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Also called the (North) Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North
Atlantic Treaty (signed on 4 April 1949). The organization comprises a system of collective defence
through which its member states accord to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external
threat.
Formation: April 4, 1949
Type: Military alliance
Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Membership: 28 states
Members: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, UK, USA
Baltic States
Baltic States or countries are 3 northern European countries east of the Baltic Sea – Estonia, Latvia
and Lithuania, which attained independence from the Russian Empire in the backwash of World
War I. In the period between the World Wars, the Baltic States also included Finland.
Membership: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Wearing a sophisticated mindcontrolled exoskeleton, a paralysed teenager will start off the World
Cup Soccer 2014, to be held in Brazil, with a ceremonial kick.
The Walk Again Project is a nonprofit, international collaboration whose researchers have created
the first realtime BrainMachine Interface (BMI) which uses the concurrent electrical activity,
produced by thousands of brain cells located in the primate cortex, to directly control the movements
of a variety of robots, including a multidegree of freedom prosthetic arm.
How the MindControlled Exoskeleton made by the Walk Again Project works?
The Patient wears a cap fitted with 32 electrodes that pick up ElectroEncephaloGraphy (EEG)
signals from the brain. The Computer in backpack converts brain signals into commands for the
exoskeleton. Battery and hydraulics system in backpack move the exoskeleton’s limbs. The battery
can power the exoskeleton for 2 hours. The Gyroscopes on the exoskeleton keep it
balanced. The Sensors on the foot plates detect footfalls and give sensory feedback to patient
through the sleeve of their shirt.
The exoskeleton is made from alloys and polymers to make it light and flexible.
Suvir Mirchandani, a 14 year old Indian origin student at a school in Pennsylvania, has found a way
of saving the US government $400 million dollars (£240 million) per annum. Suvir has shown how by
simply changing the Font US Govt uses for printing official documents, the US Govt can save $400
million dollars (£240 million) per annum.
Rationale for the finding:
Suvir calculated that if US government uses “Garamond” font instead of the “Times New Roman”,
font usually used by Govt, the Garamond font would use 25% less ink as each character in
Garamond is lighter and thinner. Thus, cost of printing voluminous documents of Government would
be subsequently reduced.
Federal government if used just Garamond then it could save $136 million (£81 million) per year. If
State Governments also use the Garamond font, then an additional $234 million (£140 million) could
be saved annually.
UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in its report evaluating affects of climate
change on human health, settlements and natural resources issued a warning that if no actions are
taken to limit the illeffects of global warming, Asia may face pressure on water resources and food
grain production in the future, thereby mounting the risk of armed conflict amongst India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh and China.
Albeit the report doesn’t have any countryspecific forecastings, the regionwise findings in the report
have thrown many eyeopening conclusions for India. As per the Report, if steps are not taken to
control the rise in temperature:
India might lose up to 1.7% of its GDP if the yearly mean temperature rises by 1 degree Celsius
compared to preindustrialization level.
India might face extreme weather events, viz. flash floods in Uttarakhand and cyclone Phailin in
Odisha.
‘Beach tourism’ in India, could be affected.
Increase in risk of armed conflict around the world as it aggravates poverty.
Key indications/ findings from the report:
In most parts of the world, coming times experience more extreme weather events viz. floods,
cyclones, cloud bursts, unseasonal excessive rains and drought, etc.
Amongst the most affected nations in Asia would be: Bangladesh, China, India, Maldives, Pakistan
and Sri Lanka.
Climate change will be an influential factor in designing of national security policies.
By middle of the 21st century, stern pressure on fresh water resources in South Asia and China
(Himalayan river basins) may develop into a basis for armed conflict in the region.
Coastal flooding will affect tourism in India.
Fall in foodgrain production (wheat in India and Pakistan; wheat and maize in China)
Sealevel rise will affect coastal cities like Mumbai and Kolkata
Fishing community will be affected, as some marine fauna will face extinction by 2050
Himalayan Glaciers continue to shrink, affecting water resources downstream
Human health will be affected by climate change, mainly by exasperating health issues.
UN IPCC Report: Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability
(Source: http://www.ipcc.ch/)
Temptest Stela: A 40line inscription on a 3,500yearold and 6foottall calcite stone block from
Egypt. This is being considered as one of the oldest weather reports. It describes rain, darkness and
the “the sky being in storm without cessation, louder than the cries of the masses”. It dates back to
the reign of the Pharaoh Ahmose, the first pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty and whose rule is considered
as the start of the New Kingdom, a time when Egypt’s power reached its height.
Linguists Dr Robert Ritner and Dr Nadine Moeller from the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute
affirmed that the unusual weather patterns described on the slan were result of a volcano explosion
at Thera (the presentday island of Santorini in the Mediterranean Sea).
How this discovery could rewrite the chronology of events in the ancient Middle East?
The evidence from Tempest Stela may shift Pharaoh Chronology. Temptest Stela describes the
outcome of the Thera’s volcanic explosion, the accurate dating of the Temptest Stela itself and reign
of Pharaoh Ahmose. This discovery is a new translation suggests that the Pharaoh Ahmose of Egypt
ruled at a time close to the Thera’s volcanic explosion. The reign of Pharaoh Ahmose is at present
considered to be about 1550 B.C. but with this discovery it could actually be 3050 years earlier.
Thus, this new discovery would provide an improved understanding of the role of the environment in
the development and destruction of empires in the ancient Middle East. Now, the fresh chronology
will help clarify how Pharaoh Ahmose rose to power and superceded the Canaanite rulers of Egypt –
the ‘Hyksos’.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a fine of Rs. 1 Crore on Google for its
inability to comply with the directions given by the Director General (DG) seeking information and
documents.
Why Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a fine of Rs. 1 crore on Google?
Competition Commission of India (CCI) is probing Google for anticompetitive and unfair practices. A
case was registered with CCI by BharatMatrimony and Consumer Unity & Trust Society that Google
is abusing its dominant position in internet advertising market and pushing its own services and
unfairly promoting the services of companies willing to pay more money to it.
Measures taken by CCI:
CCI has imposed a fine of Rs 1 Crore on Google.
CCI has sent a questionnaire to various web entities, asking their views on whether Google is
unjustly promoting its own services and abusing its dominant position in the search and
advertisement business to the damage position of other websites and portals in India.
Is this the first time Google has been charged for it alleged anticompetitive and unfair
practices?
No, this is not the first time. Google’s alleged anticompetitive practices are not new.
In 2013, the US Federal Trade Commission keeping a watch on Google’s business practices, shut its
antitrust review following an assurance by Google to make two changes to its search and AdWords
business.
In February 2014, Google reached an agreement with European Commission, inquiring Google’s
unfair trade practices, that Google will show results from at least 3 competitors each time Google
shows its own results for searches related to shopping and travel.
India’s foreign exchange reserves continued their rally for the fourth straight week, increased by
$1.35 billion to 298.64 billion dollar on a surge in currency assets even though the reserve position
with the IMF slid heavily.
As per the data released by Reserve Bank of India( RBI)
Gold reserves remained unchanged at $ 20.978 billion.
Foreign currency assets (FCAs), a major part of the overall reserves, rose $1.58 billion to $
271.40 billion.
FCAs expressed in dollar terms, include the effect of appreciation/depreciation of the nonUS
currencies viz. the euro, pound and yen held in its reserves.
The special drawing rights were down by $ 16.9 million to % 4.462 billion, while the country’s
reserve position with the IMF was down by a whopping $ 214.7 million to $1.801 billion.
Amnesty International released the Global Death Penalty Report 2013 in London, with a call on
governments who still killed in the name of justice to impose a moratorium on the death penalty with
a view to abolishing it.
Highlights of annual Amnesty International report 2013
At least 22 countries which are still applying death penalty, consider the abolition of capital
punishment as a top priority. Also, the number of countries which use the death penalty has
reduced in the last 20 years.
World’s Top executioner: China.
Overall 32 countries signed pardons on death sentences viz. Afghanistan, India, Indonesia, Iran,
Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), USA, etc.
Countries vindicated convicts: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, the UAE and USA.
Nine persistent executioners or ‘The 9 Worst Offenders’ (as they were known to execute
every year since 2007 to 2013): China, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, USA, Yemen, Sudan, Bangladesh
and North Korea.
Public executions were known to occur:Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Somalia.
No executions were reported in Singapore, while several deathrow prisoners had their
sentences commuted in that country in 2013.
Pacific subregion continued to be a virtually death penaltyfree zone, despite threats from
Papua New Guinea to resume executions.
For the first time since 2009, Europe and Central Asia was an executionfree zone, with the
only country still clinging to the death penalty being Belarus, although that country did not put
anyone to death in 2013.
Indian figures of annual Amnesty International report 2013:
President Pranab Mukherjee rejected the mercy petitions of 18 prisoners on death row in 2013,
the highest number of rejections by any President in the last 25 years.
The international standards were violated on the execution of Mohammad Afzal Guru in February
2013.
Raised concerns about the fairness of Afzal Guru’s trial viz. he did not receive legal representation
of his choice or a lawyer with adequate experience at the trial stage, Afzal Guru’s family were not
informed in time of his imminent execution and his body was not returned to the family for last rites
and burial.
72 new death sentences were known to have been imposed throughout the year and at least 400
people were believed to be on death row at the end of the year.
About Amnesty International
Type: Nonprofit NGO.
Founded: July 1961 by Peter Benenson in the United Kingdom.
Headquarters: Global International Secretariat in London, United Kingdom.
Objective: To conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human
rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated.
The Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) 2014 held at The Hague, Netherlands. In the third edition of
nuclear summit, 58 world leaders participated to enhance the global nuclear security structure.
Objective: To prevent nuclear terrorism by reducing the amount of dangerous nuclear material in the
world, improving the security of all nuclear material and radioactive sources and improving
international cooperation.
Leaders of 35 countries viz. Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan,
Morocco, the Netherlands, Philippines, UAE, the United Kingdom, the United States of
America,Vietnam, etc, agreed to adopt the Nuclear Security Guidelines. These guidelines will bind
and engage IAEA teams to assess the security of nuclear materials.
Permit international experts to evaluate their security procedures for nuclear material. It
guarantees that security will be assessed on the basis of international standards and ensures the
effectiveness of the measures taken.
New guidelines of NSS 2014
Reduce the amount of dangerous nuclear material (highly enriched uranium and plutonium) in the
world that terrorists could use to make a nuclear weapon.
Improve the security of radioactive material (including lowenriched uranium) that can be used to
make a dirty bomb.
Improve the international exchange of information and international cooperation.
Keep the quantities of nuclear material as low as possible and to reduce them where possible.
Countries that use highly enriched uranium or plutonium as fuel for power generation will limit the
quantity involved as much as they can.
Also covers other radioactive materials viz. lowenriched uranium, cobalt60, strontium90 and
caesium137. These materials have useful applications in hospitals industry, research and can
also be used with ordinary explosives to make a dirty bomb.
Note: The leaders of the countries refused to adopt the Nuclear Security Guidelines, viz. China,
Russia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Argentina, Thailand, South Africa,
Malaysia, Nigeria, Singapore, Egypt, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Jordan and Gabon.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared SouthEast Asia region as poliofree region. The
certification is being hailed as a historic milestone in the global fight to eradicate the deadly virus. It
came after, when WHO certified India officially poliofree after the country went three years
with no new cases of the illness.
India embarked on the programme to eradicate polio 19 years ago in 1995, when the disease
used to cripple more than 50,000 children in the country every year. Since January 2011, India
has been polio free nation.
Southeast Asia is the fourth of six WHO regions to officially eradicate the disease, which means
80 % of the world’s population now lives in a poliofree area.
Other WHO Regions that are certified as poliofree: the Region of the Americas (1994), the
Western Pacific Region(2000) and the European Region (2002).
Though, the disease is still endemic in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan have been free of the virus for more than 15 years.
Member states in the WHO’s Southeast Asia Region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, South Korea,
India,Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and TimorLeste.
The poliofree tag does not mean the end of polio vaccination. Now, nations will have to work
towards introducing the injectable polio vaccine and the eventual phasing out of oral polio
vaccines.These countries will introduce a dose of IPV by the end of 2015 as part of their
commitment to the global polio endgame plan which aims to ensure a poliofree world by 2018.
Note: Polio a viral disease that mainly affects children under five years old. The virus is transmitted
through contaminated food and water, and multiplies in the intestine. It can then invade the nervous
system, causing paralysis in one in every 200 infections.
The researchers from University of Leicester found that the drivers could escape detection by driving
so fast that their number plates would appear invisible to speed cameras.
The car would need to be travelling at about 192 million km/ hr to make the number plate invisible.
This speed equates to one sixth of the speed of light and no manmade vehicle is capable
of going anywhere near this speed.
The fastest manmade object – the Helios Probe – is only capable of travelling at one five
thousandth of the speed of light.
Mechanism to avoid a speeding ticket
The calculations are based on the Doppler Effect – the physical effect where the frequencies of
light or sound waves emanating from an object increase or decrease when it moves towards or
away from us.
With light, this process creates ‘red shift’ – where the frequency of light from an object travelling
away from the observer is shifted towards the red end of the colour spectrum.
The faster an object is travelling, the bigger the shift in frequency.
It would theoretically be possible for the light from a fastmoving car number plate to be shifted out
of the frequency range which speed cameras are able to detect.
Assumption: The camera would be able to detect a similar frequency range as the human eye –
roughly 400 terahertz at the ‘red’ end of the spectrum to 790 terahertz at the violet end.
Generally, Car number plates are yellow ( frequency of around 515 terahertz).
To work out the necessary speed of the car for the number plate to be ‘shifted’ past the 400
terahertz boundary of the visible spectrum, the researchers utilized the equation used by
astronomers to calculate how fast stars are travelling away from the Earth.
They found the car would need to be travelling at 53 million m/sec equal to one sixth of the speed
of light.
Note: The study published in the Journal of Physics Special Topics.
The Arab Summit refused to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and condemned the Israeli illegal
settlements established on the Palestinian territories.
Highlights of 25th Arab Summit 2014
Took place in Kuwait city, Kuwait.
Spoke out against the Israel’s continued settlement activities and attempts to Judaise Jerusalem
and its violations against AlAqsa Mosque as void and contrary to international law.
Stressed on the Arabs support to the Palestinian struggle and called on the UN Security
Council to shoulder its responsibilities towards the Palestinian cause.
To intensify all efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with its capital in East
Jerusalem and invited the UN Security Council to take the necessary steps to resolve the Arab
Israeli conflict and end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and hold it responsible
for the peace process’ failure.
Stressed on Arab solidarity with the Syrian people and their legitimate demands to live in a state
based on freedom and equality.
Invited the international community to put an end to the war in Syria and eliminate the suffering of
the Syrian people.
About Arab League
Regional organization of Arab countries in and around North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and
Southwest Asia.
Official language: Arabic.
Administrative center:Cairo.
Represents 21 states and about 350 million people.
Objective: to draw closer the relations between memberStates and coordinate collaboration
between them, to safeguard their independence and sovereignty, and to consider in a general way
the affairs and interests of the Arab countries.
The US and top economic powers have cancelled the G8 Summit to build pressure on Russia against
its military action in Ukraine.
The leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the US, the President of
the European Council and the President of the European Commission took the decision in The
Hague that the G8 Summit scheduled in Sochi in June, 2014 would be replaced by a G7 meeting in
Brussels, without Russian involvement.
The G7 countries stated that they will suspend their participation in the G8 until Russia changes
course and the environment comes back to where the G8 is able to have a meaningful discussion.
Note:Russia was added to the G7 club of the US, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, Canada and Britain
in 1999 as a reward for choosing the path of democracy after the collapse of Communism.
India and the USA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a joint implementation
committee to regularly monitor and boost the PEACE (Promoting Energy Access through Clean
Energy) initiative in New Delhi. This new initiative PEACE was launched in 2013 under the IndiaUS
Energy Dialogue.
Objective: To harness commercial enterprise to bring clean energy access to unserved and
underserved Indian villages, capture lessons learned, and develop best practices. Reliable and cost
effective offgrid clean energy solutions can significantly improve the quality of life and economic
conditions in rural households and communities.
Focus Areas of Promoting Energy Access through Clean Energy (PEACE)
Sharing best practices and institutional and other approaches.
Finance.
Technology innovation, standards, testing, and certification.
Skill development and information sharing.
Under the U.S.India Energy Dialogue 2014, both the Governments finalized an initial plan of
activities viz.
To create a new “PACEsetter fund” to support the development of earlystage, innovative clean
energy solutions for unserved and underserved populations in India.
To cooperate on a study to recommend the design of a smart microgrid pilot to test and validate
a business model for scaling up smart microgrids commercially.
Will work with stakeholders to develop a quality assurance framework, including control
standards and performance benchmarks, that can serve consumers better in terms of safety,
reliability, performance and cost comparison, and facilitate the delivery of high quality products to
the market.
OffGrid Alliance: To establish an alliance of businesses, notforprofit organizations, and
government to strengthen India’s offgrid ecosystem, bring existing efforts to scale, and attract
new businesses and commercial enterprises.
Note: The implementation of PEACE will be under the New Technology and Renewable Energy
(NTRE) Working Group of the U.S.India Energy Dialogue.
The Assamese thriller movie, Ekhon Nedekha Nadir Xipaare (also known as “As the river flows”)
bagged the Audience Choice Award 2014 in North Carolina film festival.
The film has also been selected for the upcoming 14th annual New York Indian Film Festival – North
America’s oldest and most prestigious destination for feature films, documentaries, and shorts from
and about the Indian subcontinent to be held from May 510, 2014.
About the Assamese movie “Ekhon Nedekha Nadir Xipaare”
Writer & Director: Bidyut Kotoky.
Produced by: National Film Development Corporation of India.
Starring Actors: Sanjay Suri, Bidita Bag, Victor Banerjee, Nakul Vaid, Raj Zutshi, Naved Aslam
and Preeti Jhangiani.
Inspired by the kidnapping of activist Sanjoy Ghosh, who was first abducted in 1997 from the
island Majuli in Assam supposed to be by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and
subsequently killed.
The movie is a sociopolitical Assamese thriller set in the river island of Majuli.
Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Crimea signed a treaty in Moscow to make
Crimea part of Russia again. Though, Mr. Putin stated that he has no plan to seize any other regions
of Ukraine.
As per the resolution approved by the new republic’s legislature, Crimea has also decided to
switch to Russian time by moving the clock forward two hours by March 30, 2014.
Though, peninsula will keep the existing Ukrainian budget and tax codes until Crimea formulates
its own related regulations.
About newlyproclaimed Republic of Crimea
Formerly known as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Capital:Simferopol.
Official languages: Russian, Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian.
Prime Minister of Crimea: Sergey Aksyonov.
Officially currency: Russian Ruble (though, Ukrainian Hryvnias will continue to circulate till
January 2016).
Elections to the government bodies of Crimea and Sevastopol shall be conducted on September,
2015. Till then, current Parliament of Crimea and the Council of Ministers of Crimea along with the
Legislative Assembly of the city of Sevastopol will continue their work.
Ukrainian citizens and non citizens permanently living in Crimea and Sevastopol will automatically
be recognized as Russian unless they express their wish to maintain their current citizenship
within a month.
Note: After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Crimea stayed with Ukraine in 1991 as the Republic of
Crimea before Ukraine later changed its name as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
The Group of Eight countries have suspended Russia from elite club of world powers amid
heightened tensions over Ukraine and Russia’s incursion into Crimea.
Despite this suspension of Russia from G8 Nations list, the US and European Union also
announced new sanctions against Moscow over its actions in the CrimeanPeninsula.
The Group of Seven nations (world’s leading industrial democracies) suspended preparations for
a G8 summit that Russia is scheduled to host in June in Sochi.
Note: Despite strong international objections, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a draft
bill for the annexation of Crimea, one of a flurry of steps to formally take over the Black Sea
peninsula.
The US regulator, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) filed a lawsuit on 16 world’s
largest banks, as these global financial institutions are accuse of conspiring to manipulate the LIBOR
interest rate.
The US regulator stated that the manipulation caused substantial losses to 38 US banks that were
shut down due to insolvency during and after the 2008 financial crisis.
These global financial institutions broke certain swap contracts and separately planed to rig the
LIBOR rate to which the contracts were signed.
Banks that have been sued in setting the daily Libor rate: Bank of America, Citigroup and
JPMorgan Chase of the United States, Germany’s Deutsche Bank and WestLB, Britain’s
HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds banks, Japan’s Norinchukin Bank and Bank of Tokyo—Mitsubishi,
Credit Suisse and UBS of Switzerland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Canada, and
Rabobank of the Netherlands.
About LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) interest rate
The rate at which banks in London lend money to each other for the shortterm in a particular
currency. In other words, its’ an interest rate at which banks can borrow funds, in marketable size,
from other banks in the London interbank market.
World’s most widely used benchmark for shortterm interest rates.
A new Libor rate is calculated every morning by financial data firm Thomson Reuters based on
interest rates provided by members of the British Bankers Association.
Note: FDIC is an independent agency created by the U.S. Congress to maintain stability and public
confidence in the nation’s financial system by insuring deposits, examining and supervising financial
institutions for safety and soundness and consumer protection and managing receiverships.
(Headquarters:Washington, D.C.).
As per the report published by the Swedenbased Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
(SIPRI), India become the world’s largest arms importer over 200413 and its import of weapon
systems is three times more than Pakistan and China.
As per the report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
Indian imports of major weapons rose by 111% in the last five years compared to 200408. Its
share of total global arms imports increased from 7 to 14%.
World’s total arms sales had increased by 14 % from 2009 to 2013.
World’s top five Global arms importers: India (14%), China (5%), Pakistan (5%), the United
Arab Emirates (4%) and Saudi Arabia (4%).
Major suppliers of arms to India in 200913: Russia (accounting for 75% of imports) and the US
(7%).
World’s top five Global arms suppliers between 2009 and 2013: the United States (29 % of
global exports), Russia (27%), Germany (7 %), China (6 %) and France (5%).
Imports by European nations decreased by 25 % between 20042008 and 200913.
Britain was the largest importer of major weapons in Europe (received 12 % of deliveries),
followed by Azerbaijan (12 %) and Greece (11 %).
Arms exports to Africa between 200408 and 200913 jumped 53 per cent. The three largest
importers in the region were Algeria, Morocco and Sudan.
Note: SIPRI is an independent international institute in Sweden i.e. dedicated to research into
conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. It provides data, analysis and recommendations,
based on open source, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public.
The SIPRI Arms Transfers Database
The SIPRI Arms Transfers Database contains information on all international transfers of major
weapons (including sales, gifts and production under licence) to states, international organizations
and armed nonstate groups since 1950. It is the only publicly available resource providing consistent
data on arms transfers for this length of time.
The database can be used to track transfers of major weapons and to answer such questions as:
Who are the main suppliers and recipients of major weapons?
How have relations between different suppliers and recipients changed over time?
Where do countries in conflict get their weapons?
How do states implement their export control regulations?
Where are potentially destabilizing buildups of weapons occurring today?
What major weapons have been exported or imported?
————————————————————————————————————————————
The trend in international transfers of major weapons, 1950–2013 (Source: www.sipri.org)
————————————————————————————————————————————
The 10 largest exporters of major weapons and their main clients, 2009–
13 (Source: www.sipri.org)
————————————————————————————————————————————
Changes in major arms exports since 2004–2008 by the 10 largest exporters in 2009–13
(Source: www.sipri.org)
————————————————————————————————————————————
The 10 largest importers of major weapons and their main suppliers, 2009–
13 (Source: www.sipri.org)
————————————————————————————————————————————
India nominated RanikiVav and the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) for UNESCO’s World
Heritage Site Status for 2014. The World Heritage Committee will convene in Doha, Qatar, in June
2014 to review the nomination and take a final decision.
Process to confirm World Heritage status
Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention and pledged to protect their natural
and cultural heritage, can submit nomination proposals for properties on their territory to be
considered for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The nomination process for selecting World Heritage site:
Tentative List: Countries create an inventory of potential monuments and natural sites and
include them in the Tentative List.
The Nomination File: The concern department in particular country selects a few sites and
nominates them for final inscription, every year to the World Heritage centre. The centre sends it
to the Advisory bodies, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the
World Conservation Union (IUCN) for evaluation mandate by the World Heritage Convention.
Advisory Bodies: UNESCO appoints advisory committees to evaluate the nominations.
World Heritage Committee: Once a site has been nominated and evaluated, the
intergovernmental World Heritage Committee meets to decide which sites will be inscribed on the
World Heritage list.
About RanikiVav
Location: Patan, Gujarat.
Constructed by Queen Udayamati of the Solanki dynasty.
The 11th century stepwell and is one of the finest examples of stepwells in Gujarat.
The well is subterranean structure with a series of steps, board landings, pavilions and sculpted
walls which provides access to water in deep water. It is of seven storeys with five exist and there
are more than 800 elaborate sculptures which are survived. This is a protected monument under
the Archeological Survey of India.
About Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)
Location: Kullu region in Himachal Pradesh.
Established: 1984 and declared as National Park in 1999.
Area: 452 sq mi.
Known for its biodiversity and has more than 25 forest types, 800 kinds of plants and is home to
more than 180 bird species.
Habitat to numerous flora and more than 375 fauna species that comprises nearly around 31
mammals, 181 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 17 mollusks and 127 insects.
The United Kingdom (UK) will honour the Indian soldiers, who participated in World WarI (WWI) as
part of British India, through a series of events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the conflict
of World War I that was started in 1914.
Events will be organised in the UK, India and around the world and will see the participation of
representatives from every country whose soldiers took part in the historic war. The tribute will
include publication of regimental diaries.
To commemorate Indian involvement in the war that began in 1914, the British High Commission
in India and the Delhibased United Service Institute of India would hold events.
In the World War I, about 10lakh Indian soldiers had fought on behalf of the British empire and over
70,000 Indian servicemen died.
About World War I (19141918)
A global war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918. At the
start of the war, these were the major players (more countries joined the war later):
Allied Forces (a.k.a. the Allies):France, the United Kingdom and Russia.
Central Powers:Germany and AustriaHungary.
Result of the First World War
Allied victory.
End of the German, Russian, Ottoman, and AustroHungarian empires.
Formation of new countries in Europe and the Middle East.
Transfer of German colonies and regions of the former Ottoman Empire to other powers.
Establishment of the League of Nations.
The World No.2 Tennis player, Novak Djokovic won the BNP Paribas Open singles title 2014 by
defeating Roger Federer by 36, 63,76 in California.
Other winners of BNP Paribas Open 2014
Women’s singles title: Flavia Pennetta (Italy) defeated Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) by 62, 6
1.
Women’s doubles title: Hsieh SuWei (Chinese Taipei) & Peng Shuai (China) defeated Cara Black
(Zimbabwe) and Sania Mirza (India) by 76(5), 62.
Men’s doubles title: United States pair Bob Bryan & Mike Bryan defeated Alexander Peya (Austria)
& Bruno Soares (Brazil) by 6–4, 6–3.
Note: The Indian Wells Masters, also known by its current sponsored name the BNP Paribas
Open, is an annual tennis tournament held in Indian Wells, California, United States.
The ICC World Twenty20 (also referred to as the ICC World T20 or the T20 World Cup) will
be played in Bangladesh from March 16, 2014 – April 6 2014.
This is the 5th World Twenty20 cricket.
Teams: 16 teams
The Top 8 Test teams enter directly into super 10 stage and Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, who
finished outside the top eight, will compete with six other qualifying teams (Afghanistan, Ireland,
Nepal, Hong Kong, UAE and Netherlands) in the first round from March 16 to 21 for the remaining
two places in the Super 10 groups.
Final: April 06, 2014 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on
Total prize money: $3 million.
Group A – Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Hong Kong
Group B – Zimbabwe, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands
The two groups of the Super 10 stage are:
Group 1 – Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Group B Qualifier 1
Group 2 – West Indies, India, Pakistan, Australia, Group A Qualifier 1
ICC World Twenty20 (also referred to as the ICC World T20 or the T20 World Cup)
Schedule ICC T20 World Cup
———————————————————————————————–
Sun Mar 16 Group A : 1st T20 – Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
Sun Mar 16 Group A : 2nd T20 – Hong Kong vs Nepal
Mon Mar 17 Group B : 3rd T20 – Ireland vs Zimbabwe
Mon Mar 17 Group B : 4th T20 – Netherlands vs United Arab Emirates
Tue Mar 18 Group A : 5th T20 – Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
Tue Mar 18 Group A : 6th T20 – Bangladesh vs Nepal
Wed Mar 19 Group B : 7th T20 – Netherlands vs Zimbabwe
Wed Mar 19 Group B : 8th T20 – Ireland vs United Arab Emirates
Thu Mar 20 Group A : 9th T20 – Afghanistan vs Nepal
Thu Mar 20 Group A : 10th T20 – Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
Fri Mar 21 Group B : 11th T20 – Zimbabwe vs United Arab Emirates
Fri Mar 21 Group B : 12th T20 – Ireland vs Netherlands
———————————————————————————————–
Fri Mar 21 – Group 2 : 13th T20 – India vs Pakistan
Sat Mar 22 – Group 1 : 14th T20 – South Africa vs Sri Lanka
Sat Mar 22 – Group 1 : 15th T20 – England vs New Zealand
Sun Mar 23 – Group 2 : 16th T20 – Pakistan vs Australia
Sun Mar 23 – Group 2 : 17th T20 – West Indies vs India
Mon Mar 24 – Group 1 : 18th T20 – New Zealand vs South Africa
Mon Mar 24 – Group 1 : 19th T20 – Sri Lanka vs TBC (Qualifier B1)
Tue Mar 25 – Group 2 : 20th T20 – West Indies vs TBC (Qualifier A1)
Thu Mar 27 – Group 1 : 21st T20 – South Africa vs TBC (Qualifier B1)
Thu Mar 27 – Group 1 : 22nd T20 – England vs Sri Lanka
Fri Mar 28 – Group 2 : 23rd T20 – West Indies vs Australia
Fri Mar 28 – Group 2 : 24th T20 – India vs TBC (Qualifier A1)
Sat Mar 29 – Group 1 : 25th T20 – New Zealand vs TBC (Qualifier B1)
Sat Mar 29 – Group 1 : 26th T20 – England vs South Africa
Sun Mar 30 – Group 2 : 27th T20 – Pakistan vs TBC (Qualifier A1)
Sun Mar 30 – Group 2 : 28th T20 – India vs Australia
Mon Mar 31 – Group 1 : 29th T20 – England vs TBC (Qualifier B1)
Mon Mar 31 – Group 1 : 30th T20 – Sri Lanka vs New Zealand
Tue Apr 1 – Group 2 : 31st T20 – Australia vs TBC (Qualifier A1)
Tue Apr 1 – Group 2 : 32nd T20 – West Indies vs Pakistan
———————————————————————————————–
Thu Apr 3 – 1st Semi Final T20 – TBC vs TBC (1st Group 1 v 2nd Group 2)
Fri Apr 4 – 2nd Semi Final T20 – TBC vs TBC (1st Group 2 v 2nd Group 1)
———————————————————————————————–
Sun Apr 6 – Final T20 – TBC vs TBC (Reserve Day 7th April)
———————————————————————————————–
As per the 11th five year plan of Government of India (GOI), India will contribute Rs.4500 crores
Assistance Package to Bhutan. The package will help the landlocked country to implement major
projects over the 11th Five Year Plan that will improve the livelihood of its people.
India’s assistance to the Eleventh Five –Year Plan (20132018) to Bhutan
Project Tied Assistance (PTA) Rs. 2800 crore.
Small Development Projects Rs. 850 crore.
Development Subsidy or Program GrantRs. 850 crore.
In addition, GOI agreed to provide as Rs. 500 Crore as Economic Stimulus Package, to boost the
Bhutanese economy and help the RGOB to tackle the liquidity shortage.
The India Premier League (IPL) 2014 season 7 will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE),
Bangladesh and India. Due to 16th Lok Sabha elections in India, the IPL tournament partly shifted out
of the country and will return to India for the final phase of matches.
2014 Pepsi IPL season 7
Start on April 16, 2014 and conclude on June 1, 2014.
Begin in the UAE, move to Bangladesh and finally come to India for the final set of matches.
The initial phase of the tournament would be played out at three venues in the UAE — Abu Dhabi,
Dubai and Sharjah from April 16 to 30.
The second half has been tentatively kept in Bangladesh but could be held in India if the BCCI
manages to get the government’s clearance.
Note: IPL is a Twenty20 cricket championship league in India. (Headquarter: Mumbai).
The scientists from the University Of Notre Dame, discovered a new class of antibiotics,
“Oxadiazoles”, to fight deadly bacteria viz. MethicillinResistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
and other drugresistant bacteria that threaten public health.
Over 1.2 million compounds screened and founded oxadiazole for drugresistant bacteria MRSA.
The new class of antibiotic, Oxadiazole, works by inhibiting PBP2a which is a protein that binds
penicillin. It also interferes with the biosynthesis of the cell wall which allows MRSA to resist the
drugs.
The oxadiazoles are also effective when taken orally. At present, there are only three drugs
available that are effective against MRSA, and only one of them may be taken orally. only one
marketed antibiotic for MRSA that can be taken orally.
In other words, Oxadiazoles can treat antibiotic resistant infections viz. MethicillinResistant
Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), etc.
The research was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Note: MRSA is a bacterium that developed resistance to penicillin and certain other groups of
antibiotics. It mostly appears as a skin infection which can produce boils, abscesses, stys,
carbuncles, blisters, impetigo, and rashes. The infection becomes more problematic when it spreads
to other organs. When the antibiotic resistant bacteria spread to internal organs, the results can be
lifethreatening.
The Finnish handset maker Nokia launched its first Androidbased smart phone, the Nokia X in India
at Rs.8, 599. The Nokia X handset comes with 4GB of inbuilt storage, and can be expanded up to 32
GB via micro SD card.
Nokia X
Run on the new Nokia X software platform i.e. based on Google’s Android.
Based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), and is powered by Microsoft and Nokia
services.
Offers dualSIM (GSM+GSM) support with dual standby.
Powered by 1GHz dualcore Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, alongside 512MB of RAM.
Features: 4inch IPS LCD display with a 480×800 pixel resolution, translating to a pixel density of
233ppi, 3megapixel rear camera.
Supports Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, AGPS, EDGE, GPRS and 3G connectivity options.
Backed by a 1500mAh battery, which can deliver up to 13 hours of talktime and up to 672 hours
of standby time on 2G network.
Can run 75% Android apps ‘without any modifications’.
AOSP doesn’t come with proprietary Google code, thus, Google apps viz. Play Store, Google
Maps, etc, will not be available on Nokia X (but apps can be uploaded from third party store (like
Microsoft app store).
Allows consumers a choice of Android apps along with signature Microsoft offerings from Nokia.
Would bundle the Nokia Store for apps, through which consumers will be able to access several
thirdparty app stores viz. 1Mobile Market and SlideME Market for downloading any app.
Also, bundled in its own search tool Bing, Here Maps, OneDrive with 10 GB virtual storage
space, Skype and Mix Radio services.
The apps can be side loaded or moved to the memory card to keep the internal storage free.
The other two phones of Nokia’s Android smartphone , the Nokia X+ and the Nokia XL, will be
available in India within two months.
Note: Nokia X+ offers more memory and storage and Nokia XL packs a 5inch screen, 5 megapixel
rearfacing and 2 megapixel frontfacing camera.
For the first time, the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) approved a trial program to
establish five privately owned banks as the government seeks to ease restrictions on the state
controlled banking industry and also move to liberalize deposit rates in the next two years, as
regulators grapple with the rising pressure on the banking sector from a newly booming online
finance industry.
The first batch of the five banks will be opened in the cities of Tianjin, Shanghai, Zhejiang
Province and Guangdong Province as a pilot project.
Ten private companies’ viz. Internet giants Alibaba and Tencent have been selected to take part
in the preparation work for setting up the banks.
Each of the banks will be cosponsored by at least two private capital providers
The banks will operate “independently” and will assume responsibility for risks and losses as well
as profits.
The private banks will need to have adequate net capital, a specific business strategy and a
mechanism to prevent risks from spreading and to protect depositors’ interests.
Financial services of private banks will be oriented towards small and micro businesses as well as
residential communities.
No timetable has been given for when they need to be operationally ready.
Note: Alibaba Group is one of the biggest ecommerce companies and Tencent Holdings Ltd is
China’s most popular online games provider.
The scientists from the University of East Anglia, UK discovered traces of four new manmade
gases in the atmosphere that are capable of destroying the ozone layer and intensifying global
warming. Scientists stated that the new gases are manmade because they were not seen in the
atmosphere until the 1960s.
About four new manmade OzoneKilling gases
Three of the gases are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and one is a Hydro Chlorofluorocarbon
(HCFC), which can also damage ozone.
The four new gases have been identified as CFC112, CFC112a, CFC113a, HCFC133a.
CFC113a: An agrochemical intermediate for the manufacture of pyrethroids. (a type of insecticide
once widely used in agriculture).
CFC113a and HCFC133a: Intermediaries in the production of widely used refrigerants.
CFC112 and 112a may have been used in the production of solvents and used to clean electrical
components.
Of the four species identified, CFC113 seems to be most worrying, as it is an insecticide coming
from a very small but growing emissions source somewhere as yet unidentified.
CFC and HCFC gases have been found to damage the ozone layer, which is essential to filter
ultraviolet rays that can cause cancer in humans.
As per estimate, about 74,000 tonnes of these gases have been released into the atmosphere.
The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
Note: The ozone layer protect the planet from damaging ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer
and eye cataracts.
An IndianAmerican owned engineering firm, Akron (Ohiobased American Engineering Group
(AEG)) has received a $1 million PhaseII project grant from the US Department of Defense to
develop tyres that will continue running even after being shredded by roadside bombs or gunfire.
Note:
An IndianAmerican engineer Mr. Abraham Pannikottu is developing a unique carbon fibre hoop
design zero pressure tyre for the US military that could keep military vehicles to run faster and
longer after an attack.
His group is also working on new innovative products viz. US national football league helmet and
implantable costeffective titanium hip and knee.
The company has patents pending for the Zero Pressure tyre technology.
AEG Zero Pressure tyres will:
Continue to run even after being shredded by roadside bombs or gunfire.
Withstand a minimum of 50 mph speeds for 300 miles once it’s punctured.
Work better at carrying heavier loads and can quickly move soldiers out of dangerous way.
The AEG prototype dissipates heat and has the tyre flexibility and strength to support the heavy
military pickup weight while providing a relatively smooth ride.
Note: In 2006, Pentagon honoured Mr. Abraham Pannikottu and his group for designing an airless
tyre for the Stryker armoured vehicle. This award was for exceptional performance that exemplifies
the goal of bringing innovative technologies to the soldier.
The People’s Republic of China announced to raise its military budget for 2014 by 12.2% to $132
billion. The hike in defense spending would seek to develop more hightech weapons and to beef up
coastal and air defenses.
It would also allow Beijing to create a modern force that will project power not only across the
disputed waters of the East and SouthChinaSeas but also into the western Pacific and
IndianOceans.
Goal: To become a dominant military presence in the Pacific, with a navy able to project power
across the region.
This hike in defense spending would create tension among China’s neighbors viz. India,
Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc.
The budget spike comes as Asia reacts nervously to a string of recent moves by China to assert
its sovereignty in disputed territory, expand its military reach and challenge the traditional
dominance of U.S. forces in the Asia Pacific region.
From India’s point of view, China’s defense spending is far higher than $36 billion allocated in last
month’s interim budget that amounted to 10% hike.
Note: China’s military spending is the second largest in the world, behind that of the United States.
Affairs Today
An IndianAmerican scientist, Mr. Anil Jain from Michigan State University built the world’s first three
dimensional (3D) model of a human fingerprint known as Phantom.
About Phantom – 3D model of human fingerprint
A method that takes a twodimensional image of a fingerprint and maps it to a 3D finger surface.
In health care, a 3D heart or a kidney may be created because of known dimensions and they can be
put in a scanner and the imaging system may be calibrated.
Objective: To have a precise fingerprint model with known properties and features that can be used
to calibrate existing technology used to match fingerprints.
Would help to improve the overall accuracy of fingerprintmatching systems that leads to better
security in applications ranging from law enforcement to mobile phone unlock.
Developed to boost the accuracy of fingerprintmatching systems and to improve security
technology.
About IndianAmerican scientist Mr. Anil Jain
Has a B.Tech degree from IIT Kanpur and MS and PhD degrees from OhioStateUniversity.
Six USpatents on fingerprint matching and has written a number of books on biometrics and
fingerprint/facial recognition.
Received a number of prestigious awards for contributions to pattern recognition and biometrics.
Note: The 3D model doesn’t have the feel or texture or a real finger, but it could advance the
technology of fingerprinting sensing and matching.
The ongoing political crisis in Ukraine will effect India due to following reasons:
Immediate impact on India: The military standoff situation of India would go worsen because
Ukrainian military facility provides engines for military helicopters of Russian origin (that account for a
quarter of the world’s medium, mediumheavy and heavy lift helicopters) and India has contracts with
many sourcing naval engines, from where India gets its entire fleet of medium military transport
aircraft modernized.
Business and economic factors The conflict between Russia and Ukraine
Would weaker rupee against dollars that will be negative for stocks and for the Indian economy.
International oil and gas prices would go up that will adversely effect India, as India will have to
spend more dollars to buy Brent as it is dependent on imports for its energy needs. This will
pressure the rupee and may lead to a rise in the current account deficit.
The FDI inflow into India may be affected adversely.
Strategic reasons If the military situation in Ukraine go worse than the relations between the US
and Russia would be deteriorate, then at that situation India will be under pressure to take a clear
position, as China has taken a clear position and supported Russia.
Note: Russia is a key friend of India and has helped repeatedly at the crucial time viz. Because of
Russia’s proactive help, India won the 1971 war against Pakistan and liberated Bangladesh, etc.
The Parliament of Crimea asked Moscow to allow the region to accede to Russia and move
forwards the date of a referendum on the region’s status from March 30 to March 16, 2014. In other
words, Crimean Parliament requested to Moscow to make Crimea the part of Russia.
The authorities in Crimea voted to accelerate secession from Ukraine, unanimously backing a law
that declared the territory to be part of the Russian Federation.
Voters in Crimea had to choose between two options: Stay in Ukraine or join Russia.
(Previously, the Parliament planned to seek greater autonomy for Crimea within Ukraine).
Ukraine’s interim prime minister opposed the referendum of Crimean parliament to join Russia.
(The current Crimean constitution came into effect in 1999 and Article 135 of the Ukrainian
constitution provides that the Crimean Constitution must be approved by the Ukrainian
parliament).
Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin stated that Russia had no plans to annex Crimea.
Note: Crimea is an autonomous republic in the southeastern region of Ukraine and has its own
constitution. Crimea’s people are 58 % ethnic Russians, 24% Ukrainians, and 12 % Tatars,
descendants of the Turkic people that ruled the peninsula until the Russian Tsars annexed it in 1783.
(Capital: Simferopol).
What is the cause of public protest against the President Viktor Yanukovych?
The immediate cause of antigovernment protests started over President Mr. Viktor Yanukovych’s
decision to abandon a deal with the European Union in favour of aid and natural gas agreements
with Russia.
Causes of protest: Opposition to the Euromaidan movement, Opposition to the Yatsenyuk
Government and the Verkhovna Rada’s vote to repeal language law that protected minority
languages.
Effect of Protest: The antigovernment protests led to the downfall of the government of
President Viktor Yanukovych and set the new government.
In brief, the 2014 Ukrainian revolution was antiYanukovych who is proRussia. Those who
protested wanted close UkraineEU relations and not UkraineRussia partnership.
USA’s move on Ukraine crisis: The U.S. has suspended military engagement with Russia and
opined to expel Russia from G8 but Germanydidn’t favour the expulsion. Western leaders
have shown consensus on suspending the G8 summit to be held at Sochi this year, if Russia
doesn’t stop its interference.
What the Ukraine government did to resolve Ukraine crisis?
In order to resolve the political crisis in Ukraine, Ukraine Prime Minister Mr. Mykola Azarov resigned
and the deputy Prime Minister Mr. Serhiy Arbuzov became the acting Prime minister of Ukraine.
To ease the two month long protest, the parliament repealed a set of antiprotest laws and a mass
amnesty was granted to all the demonstrators in the streets, even the ones who have seized
government buildings by force.
In the crisis talks between the President and opposition leaders, it was agreed that Parliament
would hold a vote of noconfidence in the government, and to work towards potentially reinstating
a constitution that boosted parliamentary powers and curtailed those of the President.
About Ukraine
Capital: Kiev.
Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia.
Prime minister: Arseniy Yatsenyuk.
National anthem: Shche ne vmerla Ukraina.
After its independence in 1991 from the former Soviet Union, Ukraine has swung between its
desire for integration into the European Union and keeping friendly ties with Russia that continues
to be its largest single trading partner that it depends on for cheap energy resources.
In 1997, Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement on the division of the Black Sea Fleet, with 81
% going to Russia along with Sevastopol and other military installations in the Crimea. In return,
Moscow compensated Kiev with a large sum of money as well as writing off a large amount of
Ukrainian debt. Russia also pays Ukraine an annual fee.
Note: Euromaidan – Protest which attracted around 300,000 people on Kiev’s Independence
Square, known as the Maidan, the largest since the 2004 Orange Revolution. Activists seized Kiev
City Hall.
The 3rd BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation)
Summit held at Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
About BIMSTEC summit 2014
Theme: “Partnership for Harmony and Prosperity”.
Attended by:Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.
Chaired by:Myanmar.
Objective: To create an enabling environment for rapid economic development through
identification and implementation of specific cooperation projects and the sectors of trade and
investment, technology, energy, transport and communication, tourism, fisheries, agriculture,
cultural cooperation, environment and disaster management, public health, peopletopeople
contact, poverty alleviation, counterterrorism and transnational crime and climate change.
Next Summit will be chaired by Kathmandu, Nepal.( The Bimstec summit takes place every four
years).
Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed by countries on the establishment of the
BIMSTEC’s:
1. Permanent Secretariat
2. Cultural Industries Commission (BCIC) and BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory (BCIO)
3. Centre for Weather and Climate
Resolutions taken by BIMSTEC members to
Enhance cooperation in environmental protection and sustainable development.
Enhance cooperation in the field of agriculture, including crops, livestock and horticulture besides
fisheries.
Finalize an agreement on trade in goods by 2014 with intent to promote regional commerce
Conclude the Agreement on Services and Investments
Work on agreements on dispute settlement and cooperation in customs matters under the Free
Trade Area framework.
Devise a framework for establishment of the BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility.
Increase cooperation in expanding the skill and technology base of member countries.
Note: BIMSTEC is an international organization comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka,
Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal as member countries.
The armies of India and Nepal are jointly conducting the military exercise, known as ExSurya Kiran
Drills VI, at Saljhandi in Rupandehi district, Nepal.
About IndoNepal joint military exercise “ExSurya Kiran Drills VI”
In the twoweek long exercise, both the armies will work to upgrade their practical and principle
aspects of jungle warfare, antiinsurgency operations and rescue operations.
Objective: To train troops in counter terrorism operations and to enhance defense cooperation
and military relations between the two nations.
The exercise also includes a detailed training in organization and conduct of disaster response,
management and rescue operation. The two sides will also share experiences on counterterrorist
operations.
Note: The last IndoNepal Joint Military “Surya KiranV” was conducted at Pithoragarh district,
Uttarakhand in 2013.
Microsoft Cofounder, Mr. Bill Gates regained the title of the world’s richest person in the Forbes
2014 billionaire list. Mr. Gates has topped the list for 15 of the last 20 years, with a net worth of $76
billion and Mexico’s telecommunications mogul Mr. Carlos Slim Helu is at second place.
As per the Forbes’ 28th annual ranking of the world’s billionaires 2014
The US leads the list of billionaires in the world with 492 billionaires, followed by China (152) and
Russia (111). The list has new billionaires from Algeria, Lithuania, Tanzania and Uganda.
Total number of billionaires in the world: 1,645 with combined net worth of $6.4 trillion.
Top 5 billionaires: Mr. Bill Gates, Mr. Carlos Slim Helu, Mr. Amancio Ortega, Mr. Warren Buffett, and
Mr. Larry Ellison (Oracle Corp chief).
Highest ranked women on the list: Christy Walton (9), with a net worth of $36.7 billion and
Liliane Bettencourt (11) has worth $34.5 billion.
World’s youngest billionaire: Ms. Perenna Kei from Hong Kong.
WhatsApp founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton join the ranks of Silicon Valley’s wealthiest for the
first time.
From Internet field: Facebook Inc founder Mark Zuckerberg (21), Amazon.com Inc’s Jeff Bezos
(18) and Google Inc founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin ranked 17th and 19th.
Business Tycoon, Mr. Mukesh Amabani: India’s richest person for the 7th year in a row. Mr.
Ambani is ranked 40th globally with net worth of $18.6 billion.
India has 56 billionaires in all with a collective net worth of $191.5 billion.
Note: The Forbes list of billionaires is an annual ranking of the world’s wealthiest people, compiled
and published by the American business magazine Forbes. The list only represents each person’s
valuation on a single day, due to daily fluctuations among exchange rates and stock valuations.
Indian shuttler, Arvind Bhat (34) defeated Denmark’s World No. 25 HansKristian Vittinghus to clinch
the men’s singles title of the $120,000 German Open Grand Prix Gold. This is the first time an
Indian has won a German Open title in any category. ( Indian chief national coach Pullela
Gopichand had reached the final way back in 1999.)
About Arvind Bhat
Badminton player from Bangalore.
World Ranking: 87.
Coach: Prakash Padukone.
Won six International titles viz.e Scottish Open 2004, Syria International 2007, Czech International
2007, etc.
Participated in the 2010 Asian games in Guanzhou, China and was in the Indian team for Sudirman
Cup 2011.
The 86th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
(AMPAS) at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
Best Motion picture: 12 Years a Slave.
Best Director: Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity).
Best Actor: Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club).
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club).
Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave).
Best Writing – Original Screenplay: Her by Spike Jonze.
Best Writing – Adapted Screenplay: 12 Years a Slave by John Ridley.
Best Animated Feature Film: Frozen.
Best Foreign Language Film: The Great Beauty (Italy) in Italian – Paolo Sorrentino
Best Documentary – Feature: 20 Feet from Stardom.
Best Visual Effects: Gravity
Best Film Editing: Gravity.
Best Costume Design: The Great Gatsby.
Best Cinematography: Gravity.
Best Sound Mixing: Gravity.
Best Sound Editing: Gravity.
Winners of the Mexican Open 2014
Men’s singles: Fourthseeded Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria defeated South African Kevin
Anderson by 76(71), 36, 76(75).
Women’s singles: Slovakia Dominika Cibulková beat American Christina McHale by 7–6(7–3),
4–6, 6–4.
Men’s doubles: South African Kevin Anderson and Australian Matthew Ebden beat Feliciano
López (Spain) and Max Mirnyi (Belarus) by 63, 63.
Women’s doubles: Kristina Mladenovic (France) and Galina Voskoboeva (Kazakhstan) beat
CzechRepublic players Petra Cetkovská and Iveta Melzer by 6–3, 2–6.
Note: The Mexican Open is a joint professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts,
and held annually in late February at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess in Acapulco, Mexico.
Japanese researchers are testing tiny ear computer that is worn on the ear and can be controlled
with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue.
About Earcliptype Wearable PC device
Invented by: Engineer Kazuhiro Taniguchi (Hiroshima City University, Japan).
Tiny personal computer: 17gram wireless device has microchip and data storage that enables
users to load software.
In other words, the device is a batterypowered and comes with builtin storage: users can upload
software, apps and files to their earworn clip.
Design was inspired by Ikebana Japanese flower arrangements, also known as kado or ‘way of
flowers.’
Features: Bluetooth capability and equipped with a GPS, compass, gyrosensor, battery,
barometer, speaker and microphone.
Worn on the ear and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue.
Can be connected to any Bluetoothenabled device and can be programmed to register certain
movements
Uses infrared sensors that monitor tiny movements inside the ear and can recognize every
time a wearer’s eyes and mouth move.
Useful for rockclimbers, hikers, cyclists, people with disabilities, etc.
Expected to be available in the market from December, 2015.
For the first time, South Africa won the ICC Under19 Cricket World Cup by defeating twotime former
champions Pakistan by six wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Man of the match – Mr. Corbin Borsch (South Africa)
Player of the tournament – South African captain Mr. Aiden Markram.
ICC Under19 Cricket World Cup 2014
This was the tenth edition of the tournament.
Sixteen international U19 cricketing teams participated.
Held in Dubai (United Arab Emirates).
Top five cricket teams in the Under19 cricket world cup: South Africa, Pakistan, England,
Australia and India.
Indian side was captained by Vijay Hari Zol.
Note: The next ICC Under19 Cricket World Cup will be held in 2016 in Bangladesh.
The Turkish President Mr. Abdullah approved the bill on restricting the judicial powers. The bill will
give more control to the Justice ministry in comparison to the Supreme Board of Judges and
Prosecutors. It is an independent body that deals with the appointment of the judiciary.
Objective: To curb the independence of the judicial powers.
The Turkish parliament also cleared the bill putting restrictions on internet. The law would permit the
telecommunication authority to close the websites for violation of privacy. Though, the authority would
still need court’s approval within 24 hours. The authority would also have to obtain a court order to
access records of user activity.
The Government of India (GoI) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an agreement for a $300
million loan to help improve road connectivity along key corridors in the State of Chhattisgarh.
Objective: To improve more than 900 kilometers of State roads, in line with the Chhattisgarh
Road Master Plan, involving up gradation of roads sections and strengthening culverts and
bridges.
The loan will be funded from ADB’s ordinary capital resources. It has a principal repayment period
of 20 years, and annual interest set in accordance with ADB’s LIBORbased lending facility.
The Government of Chhattisgarh will provide counterpart finance of about $128 million to cover the
estimated total project cost of $428 million.
The NASA’s Kepler mission announced the discovery of 715 new planets. These newlyverified
planets orbit 305 stars, revealed multipleplanet systems much like our own solar system. This
discovery marks a significant increase in the number of known smallsized planets more akin to Earth
than previously identified exoplanets, which are planets outside our solar system.
About the discovery of 715 new planets
Technique used by scientists: Verification by multiplicity that relies in part on the logic of
probability.
Used the planethunting Kepler telescope. It observed 150,000 stars and has found a few
thousand of those to have planet candidates.
Nearly 95% of these planets are smaller than Neptune that is almost four times the size of Earth.
Four of the new planets are less than 2.5 times the radius of Earth, and they orbit their host suns
in the “habitable zone” – the region around a star where water can keep a liquid state. In other
words, it is defined as the range of distance from a star where the surface temperature of an
orbiting planet may be suitable for lifegiving liquid water.
One of these new habitable zone planets known as Kepler296f – orbits a star half the size and
5% as bright as our sun. Kepler296f is twice the size of Earth, but scientists do not know whether
the planet is a gaseous world, with a thick hydrogenhelium envelope, or it is a water world
surrounded by a deep ocean.
This latest discovery brings the confirmed count of planets outside our solar system to nearly
1700.
Key terms:
Exoplanet (or extrasolar planet): A planet outside the Solar System.
Habitable zone: The region around a star where water can keep a liquid state
Kepler space telescope mission
Launched in 2009, with the sole purpose of finding new stars and planets. In other words, the
Kepler space telescope sought to find Earthlike worlds orbiting distant stars in the Constellation
Lyra.
Orbits around the Sun, 40 million miles from Earth.
Named after 17th Century astronomer Mr. Johannes Kepler.
Outcome of the discovery: The study indicates that the planets in these multisystems are small
and their orbits are flat and circular, resembles pancakes, not our classical view of an atom.
The US car manufacturer Hennessey developed the world’s fastest car “ Venom GT” with a top
speed of an incredible 435 km/hr. The firm set a new record for the fastest car in the world during a
test run at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.
Venom GT beat the previous best record of 431km/hr set by Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.
About Venom GT
Based on Lotus Exige with a 7.0litre.
927kw twinturbo V8 wedged between its axles.
Though, Venom broke the record of Bugatti, the car’s speed record will not be ratified by Guinness
World Records, as Hennessey only completed one run.
To replace the record of Bugatti the book requires cars that run in two directions to account for
variables including gradients and wind direction.
Note: The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a midengined sports car, designed and developed by the
Volkswagen Group and manufactured in Molsheim, France by Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (Government of India) and Israel signed three pacts to
strengthen the efforts in the war against terror and beef up bilateral security relations.
The pacts are Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters, Agreement on Protection of
Classified Material and Agreement on Cooperation in Homeland and Public Security.
The agreements are based on the shared determination to protect their citizens, their assets and
their interests.
The pacts were signed by Additional Secretary in the Home Ministry Rajiv Sharma and Ambassador
of Israel in India Alon Ushpiz and one agreement by Director in the Ministry of Defense Amir Kain.
India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation for
greater exchange of information and training in New Delhi. The agreement was signed by Saudi
Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nizar Bin Obaid Madani and India’s Minister of State for
Defence Jitendra Singh.
The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of radio and television, as also in
fields of media coverage and training, besides agreeing to activate the agreement signed between
Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and the Press Trust of India (PTI).
The pacts were signed in the presence of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mr. Salman bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud, who was on a threeday visit to India. (Mr. Al Saud is also Saudi Arabia’s
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister).
Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth largest partner with bilateral trade of over $43 billion in 201213.
Saudi Arabia is also India’s largest crude oil supplier accounting for about 20% of total imports in
201213.
Note:Saudi Arabia is the 6th largest market in the world for Indian exports and is destination of more
than 4.08 percent of India’s global exports.
The Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and industry (FNCCI) and the Confederation
of Indian Industry (CII) have agreed to organize NepalIndia Economic Summit every year
alternatively in the two countries.
This was decided at a meeting of President of FNCCI, Mr. Suraj Vaidya and the incoming
President of CII, Mr. Ajaya S. Shriram in Kathmandu.
The Summit would be an effective platform to discuss the promotion of bilateral economic and
trade relations between the two countries.
The two business organizations have also agreed to play a strategic role for developing
hydropower projects that have been long pending in Nepal.
The private sector has also principally agreed to make a joint study to find out various areas for
improvement for new trade treaty between the two countries.
The Indianorigin, Master Shubham Banerjee (12) invented Braigo, a lowcost Braille printer by using
toy construction Lego pieces in USA.
About Braigo, a lowcost Braille printer
A mashup of Braille and LEGO.
Cost: $350.
Designed from the Lego Mindstorms EV3 set.
Modified a robot model to make a functional printer at a fraction of the cost of other machines in
the market. (Basic model Braille printers retail for about $2,000 online).
Programmed to produce the letters :A to Z” in Braille. It takes about seven seconds to print each
letter.
Users can type in letters, and the Braigo’s needle will hammer out the translated message in
raised dots on paper.
Future Plan: To programme Braigo to print the numbers one to 10.
What is Braille printer?
Braille printers, also known as embossers, are used to make copies of electronic documents on
paper in a format that is readable by blind people.
Working: Receives data from computer devices and embosses that information in Braille onto
paper through the use of solenoids that control embossing pins. Typically print on heavyweight
paper and use up more pages for the same amount of information than pages printed on a
regular printer.
Slower and noisier.
Interpoint printers are Braille printers that emboss Braille on both sides of a page.
Note: LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is a remarkably powerful and functional robotics kit people of any age
can use to build some impressive and complicated projects.
For the first time, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) launched its Zero
Discrimination Day on March 1 in Beijing, China, to support those who are infected by HIV/AIDS.
About Zero Discrimination Day 2014
Motto: To call the people everywhere to promote equal rights for AIDS victims and celebrate
everyone’s right to live a full life with dignity no matter what they look like, where they come from or
whom they love.
Transformative Symbol: Butterfly.
Vision: Zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDSrelated deaths.
An initiative of UNAIDS advocate and Nobel laureate Ms. Daw Aung Suu Kyi.
Offers an unprecedented opportunity for raising awareness; for speaking up to support people
who have been discriminated against; for promoting diversity; and for becoming champions of
tolerance, compassion and peace.
Discrimination against HIV/AIDS victims is a serious barrier preventing the provision of equal
services.
Note: Discrimination is not only a violation of human rights, it is illegal, immoral, hurtful and
dehumanizing. Discrimination can happen anywhere: at work, at school, at home, at the health facility
and in the community. Discrimination doesn’t just hurt individuals or groups of people, it hurts
everyone.
Indianorigin men, Professor Abraham Verghese and Mr. Sanjeev Arora are among the five
recipients who won the 19th Heinz awards 2013 and will be honored in Pittsburgh on April 3, 2014.
Each winner will receive a cash award of $250,000 each as well as a medallion inscribed with an
image of late US senator John Heinz.
19th Heinz Awards – 2013: Category and its’ recipients
Arts and humanities – Professor Abraham Verghese, a doctor and author based at Stanford
University Medical School, USA was given the award in recognition of his bestselling authorship.
In his first book, ‘My Own Country’, he wrote extensively about AIDS in rural areas of Tennesse.
He belongs to Kerala.
Public policy – Dr. Sanjeev Arora, professor of medicine at the University of New Mexico in
Albuquerque, was recognized for revolutionizing community healthcare using video conferencing
technology. He belongs to Kota, Rajasthan.
Environment – Professor Jonathan Foley, director of the Institute on the Environment at the
University of Minnesota where he has conducted research on the global environment and how to
improve the efficiency of food production.
Human condition – Mr. Salman Khan, founder of online Khan Academy in Mountain View,
Calif., an educational nonprofit that offers free tutorials and exercises to students around the
world.
Technology, the economy and employment — Leila Janah (an entrepreneur based in San
Francisco, USA) was honored for founding the nonprofits Samasource and SamaUSA that uses an
Internet to train and employ people in impoverished communities around the world.
About Heinz Awards
Established in 1993 by Ms. Teresa Heinz, the chairwoman of the Heinz Family Foundation in
honor of her late husband, Senator H. John Heinz III, the Pennsylvania Republican.
Headquarters:Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (separate from the international food company).
Annually awarded by the Heinz Family Foundation.
The Heinz Awards celebrates the accomplishments and spirit of the Senator by recognizing the
extraordinary achievements of individuals in the areas of greatest importance to Senator John
Heinz, who died in a midair aircraft collision in 1991.
Awards recognize outstanding individuals for their contributions in five areas: Arts and
Humanities, Environment, Human Condition, Public Policy, and Technology, the Economy and
Employment.
The German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel awarded the Presidential Medal of Distinction (Israel’s
highest civilian honor) by the President of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres. She was awarded with this medal
for her firm commitment to the security of Israel along with her fight against antiSemitism and racism
in particular through education.
About Presidential Medal of Distinction (Israel’s highest civilian honor)
The medal features the North Star (to symbolize the (“right path”) and a sevenbranched menorah
or Jewish candelabrum – the symbol of Israel – inscribed with the phrase “From his shoulders and
upward,” from the Book of Samuel 9:2.
Open to Israeli citizens and noncitizens.
Awarded every year by the President to a person for his/her extraordinary contribution to the
country.
Past recipients of the medal: U.S. President Barack Obama, former U.S. president Bill Clinton,
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra director Zubin Mehta, human rights activist Elie Wiesel, etc.
Note: AntiSemitism is a hostile belief or behavior towards Jews as a religious or racial group and
the term was coined in 1879 by the German agitator, Wilhelm Marr to designate the antiJewish
campaigns underway in central Europe at that time. The person who holds the position of ant
Semitism is known as antiSemite.
The IndianAmerican scientist, Ms. Sangeeta Bhatia developed a simple, cheap, paper test that
could improve cancer diagnosis rates and help people to get treated earlier. Ms. Bhatia is professor
at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
About the paper diagnostic test for cancer
The diagnostic, which works much like a pregnancy test, could reveal within minutes, based on a
urine sample, whether a person has cancer. The synthetic biomarker technology relies on nano
particles that interact with tumour proteins called proteases, each of which can trigger release of
hundreds of biomarkers that are then easily detectable in a patient’s urine.
Concept of synthetic biomarker technology: To amplify signals from tumor proteins (that would
be hard to detect on their own) by injecting special nanoparticles into the body.
These proteins are known as Matrix Metallo Proteinase (MMP) that help cancer cells to escape
from their original locations by cutting through proteins of the extra cellular matrix, which normally
holds cells in place.
These nanoparticles, coated with peptides (short protein fragments), can interact with tumour
proteins called proteases. In a patient’s body, these particles congregate at tumour sites, where
cancer proteases cleave the peptides, which then accumulate in the kidneys and are excreted in
the patient’s urine.
These biomarkers are easily detectable using an approach known as a lateral flow assay, the
same technology used in pregnancy tests. In tests in mice, the researchers were able to
accurately identify colon tumours, as well as blood clots.
Note: As per the current version of the technology, patients would first receive an injection of the
nanoparticles, and then urinate onto the paper test strip. To make the process more convenient, the
researchers are now working on a nanoparticle formulation that could be implanted under the skin for
longerterm monitoring.
India and Canada signed 3 pacts for cooperation in health sector, audiovisual coproduction and skill
development. Currently, the Governor General of Canada, Mr. David Johnston is on a 9 day visit to
India.
MoUs signed between India and Canada:The Grand Challenges Canada and Department of
Biotechnology will work together to address the global health challenges especially for women and
child healthcare.The secretary of information and broadcasting, Mr. Bimal Julka and Mr. Stewart
Beck (High Commissioner of Canada to India) signed an agreement on the audio visual cooperation.
This MoU will enable Indian and Canadian film producers to utilize a platform for collaboration on
various facets of film making. The agreement is expected to deepen the engagement between the
critical sectors of the film industries of both countries there by, providing a new chapter of
collaboration.
National Skill Development Corporation from India and Association of Canadian Community
College from Canada will work in skill development segment and to cooperate and share the
information and learning on this aspect.
The Indian arm of US retailer Target, Target India launched its Target Accelerator Programme
in Bangalore to incubate and provide mentoring to its first batch of five technology startups. Target
will provide funding of up to $30,000 in cash and operational expenses to each of its incubated
ventures.
About Target Accelerator Programme (TAP)
Objective: Target’s program is designed to help earlystage startups to develop ideas that could
improve the retail giant’s business and the broader retail industry.
Focus: on incubating startups operating in the areas of mobile, content, social, search, data and
analytics.
Runs for fourmonths in Target India’s Bangalore office and will annually incubate four to five
startups in the mobile, social media and big data analytics segment.
The selected startups will also be mentored and provided with business tools and operational
support.
Five shortlisted startups of the first batch of Target Accelerator Programme (TAP):
Turnaround Innovision: A website that helps in rotating 3D images to display products on host
websites.
Konotor: A two way communication channel between a client and their mobile app users.
MuHive Technologies: A startup that offers a social engagement platform to help organisations
simplify their social conversations.
Unbxd Inc: Enables personalised searches, product recommendations and website navigation.
Instaclique: by Nirmantra Technologies helps organisations to integrate social media
conversations online to decrease website bounce rates and increase customer engagement.
The Target Accelerator Programme is the first such programme launched globally by the Minneapolis
head quartered retail behemoth.
Ms. Lakshmi Swaminathan became the first Indian to become president of Administrative Tribunal of
the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for three years. Ms. Swaminathan is the seventh president of the
Tribunal. At present, she is a member of the Panel of Arbitrators of several public sector undertakings
and NSE.
About Administrative Tribunal of Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Establish: 1991, as an external mechanism to review personnel decisions by Management.
Composition: Consists of five judges, who are all nationals of member countries of ADB.
The Tribunal elected Judge Ms. Lakshmi Swaminathan as President and Professor Roy Lewis as
VicePresident on the occasion of the 35th session held in Manila.
The Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI) and Google jointly launched 360degree panoramic
imagery of 30 out of 100 “nationallyimportant monuments”.
Objective: To create a dynamic, immersive online experience by which people within India and
around the world can understand and engage more of India’s diverse cultural heritage.
In pursuance of the signed agreement with ASI and Union Culture Ministry, Google created a
virtual walkthrough application using its Street View Trekker technology for the first time in India.
The images of sites that can be accessed on Google Maps through Street View are the Taj
Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Jantar Mantar, Fatehpuri Sikri, ItimadudDaula,
Agra Fort, Krishnagiri Fort, Rajagiri Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Agha Khan Palace, Fort St George,
Nagarjuna Hill, Raigad Fort, etc.
Note: Street View Trekker Technology is a Street View camera platform, with 15 cameras on board
that capture a 360degree view of the area around. It is mounted on a wearable backpack and the
total unit weighs around 20 kg. The operator walks through pedestrian routes and is designed to
reach places that can be accessed by foot.
As per the global property consultant Cushman & Wakefield report, Connaught Place in Delhi is the
world’s eighth costliest office location in 2013. It fell to the eighth position (from 4th position) due to
an appreciation in both the US dollar and euro against the Indian rupee in 2013.
Rank Location/City Occupancy Cost ($/sq ft/yr)
1 West End, London (UK) 271.61
2 Central, Hong Kong 183.32
3 CBD, Moscow (Russia) 139.8
4 CBD, Beijing (China) 131.48
5 CBD, Tokyo (Japan) 128.34
8 Connaught Place, New Delhi 122.73
Excerpts of the & Wakefield report 2014
Focus: On prime office rental performances and occupancy costs across the globe, including a
ranking of the most expensive locations across the world in which to occupy office space.
The location continues to remain high on priority for sectors viz. BFSI, consulting, trade, media,
etc.
Global office rents increased by 3% overall.
The USA and Mexico saw the prime rents rise compared to other top ranked cities that saw the fall
in prime rents.
Moscow and New Delhi recorded no change in rental values.
In Asia Pacific rental growth was largely flat on the back of a slowing economy though, the economic
climate improved as the year progressed.
India and oilrich Gulf nation Bahrain signed three pacts to boost bilateral ties. The pacts were signed
in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
in New Delhi.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bahrain:
In the fields of youth and sports: To strengthen bilateral cooperation through institutional
exchanges particularly through exchange of youth and sports teams in various disciplines.
On the establishment of a “Highlevel joint commission” for bilateral cooperation to replace the
Joint Committee for Technical and Economic Cooperation established in 1981. The ‘High Joint
Commission’, to be chaired by the Foreign Ministers, will serve as an umbrella framework for all
cooperation between the two countries.
Another MoU signed between the Foreign Service Institute and the Diplomatic Institute of
Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote cooperation between the two organizations.
As per study led by University of Minnesota researchers, the fertilization of natural grasslands,
either intentionally or unintentionally as a side effect of global farming and industry, is having a
destabilizing effect on global grassland ecosystems.
About the study on “Fertilization destabilizes Global Grassland Ecosystems”
First international experiment by using a network of natural grassland research sites around the
world known as Nutrient Network (or NutNet).
Assessed the effect of fertilizer on 41 sites across 5 continents.
The experimental network included ecosystems from alpine areas of China to Serengeti in
Tanzania.
Outcome: Found that plant diversity in natural ecosystems creates more stable ecosystems over
time because of less synchronized growth of plants.
Also found that grassland diversity and stability reduces when fertilizers added.
In other words, the balance output of the ecological safety net on addition of fertilizer was upset
across diverse grassland as the various organisms in those disappeared.
NutNet is a “grassroots campaign” that is supported by scientists who volunteer their time and
resources.
Published in the international journal Nature.
The social media giant, Facebook announced purchased popular mobile messaging company
WhatsApp for a whopping $19 billion. To date, it is the largest acquisition by the Mark Zuckerberg
led firm, which will give it a stronghold in the market for messaging. (Facebook HQ:Menlo Park,
California, US).
The whopping acquisition price includes $4 billion in cash, about $12 billion worth of Facebook
shares and $3 billion in restricted stock units to be granted to WhatsApp founders and employees
that will vest over four years following the closing of the deal.
About mobile messaging company WhatsApp
A crossplatform mobile app that allows users to exchange messages without having to pay
telecom charges.
In other words, it is simple, fast and reliable mobile messaging service that is used by over 450
million people on every major mobile platform.
Why Facebook bought WhatsApp?The acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook is to speed up the
company’s ability to bring connectivity and utility around the world. As part of the deal, the WhatsApp
cofounder and CEO Jan Koum would join the Facebook board.
Benefit: WhatsApp would complement the existing chat and messaging services to provide new
tools for Facebook community.
WhatsApp’s core messaging product and Facebook’s existing messenger app will continue to
operate as standalone applications.
The acquisition will not impact the WhatsApp’s brand and the company’s headquarters will remain in
California’s Mountain View.
The space rock, known as 2000 EM26, poses no threat and passed the Earth at just under nine
times the distance to the moon. Though, it is defined as a potentially hazardous NearEarth Asteroid
(NEA) that was large enough to cause significant damage in the event of an impact.
This was subtle reminder of the dangers of the asteroid impacts just one year after historic event
took place on February, 2013.
A previousunknown discovered asteroid exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia and injured 1200
people and sent shock waves shattering windows and damaging buildings in Chelyabinsk.
About Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) 2000 EM26
Size: As big as three football fields (270m).
Speed: Approx 12.37 km/s.
Minor planet category: Aten asteroid (NEO, PHO).
Minimum possible close approach distance to Earth: 0.018 AU (27 lakh km).
Tracked by: Slooh robotic telescope service, Spain (that provided internet access to automated
observatories).
Nasa’s Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM)
Firstever mission to identify, capture and redirect an asteroid.
Plans to use capabilities of the new Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket and high
power solar electric propulsion to capture an asteroid in the near future.
Till now, 10,713 known nearEarth objects are discovered.
To cure blindness of eye due to glaucoma, Professor Harminder Singh Dua from the Nottingham
University discovered an ultrathin layer hidden deep in the human cornea that can help treat
glaucoma. (He is an Indian origin UK doctor).
About the new layer discovered by Mr. Dua
This 15 microns thick new layer also known as Dua’s layer.
Located at the back of the cornea between the corneal stroma and Descemet’s membrane.
Plays a vital role in the structure of the tissue that controls the flow of fluid from the eye.
Makes an important contribution to the sievelike trabecular meshwork called the Trabecular
Meshwork (TM) in the periphery of the cornea.
Benefit of this discovery: It will offer new clues on why the drainage system malfunctions in the
eyes of some people, leading to high pressure.
The study was published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
Previously, Scientists believed that the cornea consists of five layers from front to back— the corneal
epithelium, Bowman’s layer, the corneal stroma, Descemet’s membrane and the corneal
endothelium.
What is Trabecular Meshwork (TM)?
TM is a wedgeshaped band of tissue that extends along the circumference of the angle of the
anterior chamber of the eye. It is made of beams of collagen wrapped in a basement membrane to
which trabecular cells and endothelial cells attach. The beams branch out randomly to form a
‘meshwork’.
Pressure within the eye is maintained by the balance of aqueous fluid production by eye tissue
called the ciliary body and drainage principally through the TM to the canal of Schlemm, a circular
channel in the angle of the eye.
Defective drainage through the TM is an important cause of glaucoma, a condition that leads
to raised pressure in the eye that can permanently affect sight.
Note: Glaucoma is a devastating disease caused by defective drainage of fluid from the eye and is
the world’s second leading cause of blindness.
Mr. Avinash Arun’s directorial debut, the Marathi feature film “Killa” won the Crystal Bear (Glasernen
Bar) for the Best Film awarded by the Children’s Jury in Generation Kplus section at the 64th Berlin
International Film Festival (also known as the Berlinale).
About Marathi film Killa
First Indian feature film to win Crystal Bear award.
Deals with the universal conflict of migration and how it impacts the lives of people, especially
children.
The story is about an 11 year old child, Chinu, who is coping with the death of his father and finds
it difficult to adapt to a new place he has migrated to.
Directed by Avinash Arun.
Produced by Madhukar R Musle, Ajay G Rai and Alan McAlex under the banner, Jar Pictures and
presented by M R Filmworks.
Will be released in May, 2014.
Note: ‘Killa’ is the third Marathi film to premier and compete at the Berlin film festival.
Former Preston and England winger, Sir Tom Finney (91) passed away. Mr. Finney was one of the
England’s greatest footballers and the ultimate oneclub man. He was famous for his loyalty to his
league club, Preston North End for which he made 569 firstclass appearances.
About Sir Tom Finney
Nickname:Preston Plumber.
Played for Preston from 1946 until he retired.
Scored 210 goals in 473 appearances.
Footballer of the year: In 1954 and 1957 (the first player to receive the honor twice).
Appointment: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) (1961),
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1992.
Knighted in the 1998 Queen’s New Year Honors.
President of Kendal Town.
The 67th BritishAcademy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) held at the Royal Opera House in
London.
Winners of the 67th Annual BAFTA Awards
Best Film: 12 Years a Slave
Outstanding British Film: Gravity.
Best Director: Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity).
Best Actor: Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave).
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine).
Best Supporting Actor: Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips).
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle).
Best Original Screenplay: American Hustle.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Philomena.
Best Editing: Rush.
Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki (Gravity).
Best Production Design: The Great Gatsby.
Best Costume Design: The Great Gatsby.
Best Original Music: Gravity.
Best Makeup and Hair: American Hustle.
Best Sound: Gravity.
Best Visual Effects: Gravity.
Best Film Not in the English Language: The Great Beauty.
Best Animated Film: Frozen.
Best Documentary: The Act of Killing.
Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer: Kieran Evans.
Best British Short Film: Room 8.
Best British Short Animation: Sleeping with the Fishes.
The EE Rising Star Award: Will Poulter.
Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: Peter Greenaway.
Most awards: Gravity (6).
International Mother Language Day (Bhasha Divas) observed across the world, with Bangladesh
leading on February 21, 2014.
Theme: “Local languages for global citizenship: spotlight on science”.
Objective: To promote awareness of linguistic, multilingualism and cultural diversity.
The day assumes special significance in Bangladesh where scores of people, mostly students and
teachers of the DhakaUniversity, were mercilessly shot down by the Pakistani army in 1952 in
erstwhile East Pakistan.
The activists had protested against imposition of Urdu as the national language sidestepping
Bengali – their mother tongue.
But the incident calls for celebration too as the protest sowed the seeds of homegrown
nationalism that ultimately led to the creation of Bangladesh from the ashes of the Liberation War
in 1971.
About International Mother Language Day
Observed on February 21 every year.
The Day is observed yearly by UNESCO member states and at its headquarters to promote
linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
On 16 May 2007, by resolution 61/266, the General Assembly proclaimed 2008 as the
International Year of Languages, to promote unity in diversity and international understanding,
through multilingualism and multiculturalism.
It is commemorated in Bangladesh since 1952 where a number of Dhaka university
students were killed by the Pakistani police and army during the Bangla Language
Movement.
Importance of International Mother Language Day: It is the greatest weapon to express one’s
feeling. Mother Language of one country is the sign of independence of that country.
In the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles rankings, Chinese tennis ace Li Na
ranked World No.2 following her second Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open 2014.
Top five players in the WTA Singles rankings:
1. Serena Williams (United States).
2. Li Na (China)
3. Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland)
4. Victoria Azarenka (Belarus)
5. Maria Sharapova (Russia)
Top three players in the WTA doubles ranking:
1. Peng Shuai (China)
2. Hsieh SuWei (Chinese Taipei)
3. Vesnina Elena (Russia)
Twotime Grand Slam champion, Li Na became the first Asian to be the second ranked player in the
world and her compatriot Peng Shuai became the first Chinese player to ascent to top world spot in
doubles after winning the Qatar Open with partner Hsieh Suwei of Chinese Taipei.
The researchers from University of Tennessee, USA studied the treeclimbing and basking
behavior in reptiles, under the title, “Climbing behavior in extant crocodiles”. They noticed
crocodilian species on three continents viz. Australia, Africa and North America and examined
previous studies and anecdotal observations.
Crocodiles are known for impressive speed and agility around the water. As stated by new study,
they are also capable of climbing trees.
As per the study titled “Climbing behavior in extant crocodiles”
The scientists confirmed that four different crocodile species – found in Australia, Africa and the
Americas – are all able to climb, some as high as 4m, where they were observed basking in trees.
These species that are able to climb trees can go as high as 4m. Their abilities also vary by
size. Those small and lightweight crocs, 1.5m long, can climb the highest branches. Those heavier
in weight can be found in lower branches, cannot go as high as 1m above water.
It was found that crocodiles developed the agility to climb trees to laze under the sun and to
survey their surroundings against possible threats or for possible food.
The Australian freshwater crocodiles can actually climb steep slopes along riverbanks up to 1.8
m.
In North America, the team saw crocodiles up to 1 meter long lounging on the aerial roots and
low branches of mangrove trees during the day.
The most commonly observed climbers were the slendersnouted crocodiles of Central Africa.
Some African crocodiles roosted as high as 3m above the surface of rivers.
Crocodiles lack the toe and foot structure that would be expected of a climber. Though, smaller
and juvenile crocodiles in particular were observed climbing vertically while larger ones tended to
climb angled trunks and branches, all of which is a measure of the reptiles’ spectacular agility.
Researchers believe that the tree climbing and basking are driven by two conditions: thermo
regulation and surveillance of habitat.
Note: People who spend time around crocodiles have known about the climbing ability for decades.
Though, this study is the first to thoroughly examine the climbing and basking behavior.
The Catholic country, Belgium became the first country to allow euthanasia for terminally ill
children of any age. This action of legalizing death for the children came 12 years after the country
legalized euthanasia for adults. The Parliament of Belgium took the decision in spite of opposition
from the Church and some paediatricians.
Belgium became the second country after Netherlands to allow mercykilling for children
and the first to lift all age restrictions.
Under the approved legislation by the Parliament, a young child will be allowed to end their life with
the help of a doctor. The legislation has not fixed any age limit for minors suffering from a terminal
illness to opt for the death by use of a lethal injection.
Other European countries that allows active euthanasia are:
Luxembourg: Permits active euthanasia for over 18 years in age.
Switzerland: Doctors help adult patients to commit suicide.
About Euthanasia
Refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering.
Forms of euthanasia: Active and passive euthanasia
Active euthanasia: when the medical professionals, or another person, deliberately do
something that causes the patient to die.
Passive euthanasia: when the patient dies because the medical professionals either don’t do
something necessary to keep the patient alive, or when they stop doing something that is keeping
the patient alive.
Jurisdictions where euthanasia or assisted suicide is legal: the Netherlands, Belgium,
Luxembourg, Switzerland, Estonia, Albania, and the US states of Washington, Oregon and
Montana.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono declared a state of emergency on the main
island of Java because of a major volcanic eruption. Mount Kelud in the east Java erupted and
sends a cloud of ash 30 km into the sky and blanketed villages up to 500 km away.
Ashfall occurred in large portion of JavaIsland, from Malang to the east, as well as Central Java
and Yogyakarta.
Around 200,000 people have been affected and there is widespread disruption to flights as several
airports have been closed due to poor visibility.
The 1,731meter Mount Kelud is home to more than a half of Indonesia’s 240 million people.
Kelud is among about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia.
Kelud’s last major eruption was in 1990, when it spewed out searing fumes and lava that killed
more than 30 people and injured hundreds.
Note:Indonesia lies across a series of geological faultlines and is prone to frequent earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions. There are about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia.
Vijayawadabased airline, Air Costa signed an agreement with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer
Embraer to buy 50 EJets E2 aircraft worth $2.94 billion.
The acquisition of aircrafts is a mix of 25 E190E2s and 25 E195E2s with an additional purchase
rights for 50 aircrafts to bring the total potential order to up to 100 aircraft and can reach $5.88
billion if all are exercised.
Air Costa will be the first customer of the EJet E2 in the Indian market when it takes the first
delivery in 2018. The E195E2 is scheduled to enter service in 2019.
Note: Embraer S.A. is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 130 seats and is one
of Brazil’s leading exporters.
New Zealand won the two match Test Series against India by 10 after the second test at the Basin
Reserve, Wellington ended in a draw.
Man of the Match: Brendon McCullum.
Outcome of the series:
Brendon McCullum became New Zealand’s first triplecenturion in 84 years of Test cricket in the
second test match against India in Wellington. He scored 302 runs in the second innings.
India retained their second position in the ICC Test team rankings, after losing the series by 10.
A twoTest series loss has resulted in India slipping from 117 ratings points to 112 that means that
they are ahead of Australia by just one rating point.
Here, Australia has a chance to go ahead of India on the table before the April 1, 2014 cutoff
date.
Note: At present, South Africa is at the numberone position in the ICC Test team rankings and
if they remain at the top in the list till the cutoff date, they will also collect a cheque of $450,000. The
side that finishes second will pocket $ 350,000, while $250,000 will go to the thirdranked team.
As per new comparative study by Accenture, India ranked eighth in the list of ten countries in terms
of digital governance. Singapore topped the list, followed by Norway and the United Arab Emirates
(UAE).
As indicated in the report, highperforming digital governments are focusing on their digital
strategy, continuing longterm investment in key information and communication technology (ICT)
assets and leveraging the power of new technologies viz. social media, mobility, analytics, big data,
cloud computing, etc. These countries are also connected across agency boundaries and have a
strong culture of collaboration and data sharing.
Countries where survey conducted by Acenture: Brazil, Germany, India, Norway, Singapore,
South Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States.
(Gave a cumulative score from one to 10).
Parameters that are taken into account to measure the countries digital governance:
Citizen Service Delivery Experience, Citizen Satisfaction and Service Maturity.
Citizens’ perception of digital government in the survey: 81% – would like their government
to provide more services through digital channels and 64% would like to use social media to
engage with government.
Note: Digital governance means to offer online portals to access public services to employing
digital channels and social media to communicate and engage with citizens.
The Representatives of Taiwan and China hold their first highlevel meeting since they split 65 years
ago, after a brutal China’s civil war. The official talks held between Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Minister
Mr. Wang Yuchi and China’s Vice Foreign Minister Mr. Zhang Zhijun (who heads the Taiwan Affairs
Office) at Nanjing, Jiangsuprovince of China.
Outcome of the official level talks: Both the countries agreed to set up representative offices “as
early as possible” for the two semiofficial organizations which deal with ties between the two. And,
also agreed to deepen economic ties and “appropriately deal with” issues on medical care for
students in either place.
About ChinaTaiwan relations
China and Taiwan ruled by separate governments since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.
China’s constitution claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
Taiwan has never formally renounced its decadesold claim to the whole of China.
China has offered a “one country, two systems” solution, like Hong Kong.
Note: The official talks between the two countries are sensed as an attempt to facilitate wider
exchanges and building crossstrait relations and a confidence building exercise.
The Vice President of India Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari launched the ‘IndiaChina Year of Friendly
Exchanges’ in New Delhi. Initiatives taken by India to form closer and stronger relationship
with China:
To promote Chinese companies to establish production and supply chains which will link our
economies. This will also ensure a more balanced trade between our two sides. One of the ideas,
which is being looked at carefully is of a dedicated ChineseIndustrial Park in India.
To introduce Chinese language in the middle schools in India. Recently, 22 Chinese teachers have
come to teach at selected C.B.S.E. schools across the length and breadth of our country.
Plan to highlight Indian culture in China through a programme entitled ‘Glimpses of India’.
Note: The Year 2014 has been designated by the Governments of India and China as the Year of
Friendly Exchanges.
On the second phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), the Government
of India stated that it hadn’t violated global trading norms under the World Trade Organization
(WTO), even as the US filed a second case against India in WTO.
Why USA Trade Representative filed a case against India at WTO on the issue of Phase II of
JNNSM?
The United States of America (USA) challenged the domestic content requirement in Phase II of
India’s National Solar Mission (NSM), which requires solar power developers to use Indianmade
equipment. It alleged that the requirement was discriminatory and against international norms,
including World Trade Organization (WTO) laws, and affects US solar panel manufacturers.
In February 2013, the US had filed a similar case related to the first phase of the mission. Though,
it didn’t pursue that case.
What is India’s perspective against the allegations made by USA on the issue of Phase II of
JNNSM?
The Government of India dismissed the allegations and stated that its national solar mission
programme is WTOcompliant and it would defend its stand in the Genevabased multilateral body.
India argued that its solar policies are legal under WTO government procurement rules that permit
countries to exempt projects from nondiscrimination obligations.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) pointed out that many US companies have
won contracts in phase II of India’s National Solar Mission. Thus, there should not be such issue of
discrimination against them.
Why there is a bone of contention between India and USA over the domestic content
requirement in Phase II of India’s solar program?
In the Phase II of the solar mission, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has freed
half the projects from local sourcing conditions.
Phase I of policy implementation: MNRE involved developers of solar photovoltaic (“PV”)
projects employing crystalline silicon technology to use solar modules manufactured in India.
Phase II of policy implementation: MNRE expanded this domestic sourcing requirement to
crystalline silicon solar cells and thin film technologies as well.
At present, solar thin film consists of the majority of US solar product exports to India and these
domestic content requirements will probably cause even greater harm to US producers than under
Phase I. That’s why, there is there is a bone of contention between USA and India.
About Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)
Also known as the National Solar Mission. Officially launched by Prime Minister of India, Dr.
Manmohan Singh in 2010.
Objective: To establish India as a global leader in solar energy, by creating the policy conditions
for its diffusion across the country as quickly as possible.
Mission: To have 20 GW of gridconnected solar power by 2022 and to make it as cheap as
electricity from conventional sources.
Part of National Action Plan on Climate Change.
Adopted 3phase approach: Phase I (201213), Phase II (2013–17) and Phase III (2017–22).
The first phase with a target total of 1,200MW (offgrid and ongrid) ended in March 2013. (In the
first phase, the offgrid solar energy target was only 200 MW).
The second phase has a target of 9,000 MW gridconnected and 800 MW offgrid solar power by
2017.
Under WTO rules, if the matter is not resolved through consultations within 60 days of the request,
the US states may ask the WTO to establish a dispute settlement panel.
Note: Under WTO disputesettlement body norms, a complainant first seeks consultations with the
target country, which typically takes 60 days. Subsequently, a panel of lawyers is constituted and the
case is officially registered as a trade dispute.
The USbased firm, Motorola launched its muchawaited budget phone Moto G in India through
Flipkart. The Moto G’s 16GB version, priced at Rs 13,999 and 8 GB version priced at Rs. 12,499.
The smartphone has a 1.2 GHz quadcore Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, Adreno 305 GPU, a 4.5inch
capacitive (1280 x 720 pixels) touch screen, and an edgetoedge display.
About Moto G
Dual SIM Android smartphone developed and manufactured by Motorola Mobility.
Memory: 1 GB RAM and no card slot.
Storage : 8 GB or 16 GB.
Body: Dimensions 129.9 x 65.9 x 11.6 mm and Weight143 gm.
Features: Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS connectivity options.
Offers: Excellent call quality and signal reception and we did not encounter issues while making
calls even in areas where cell signal is relatively weaker. The phone is able to lock to GPS without
any hiccups.
Backed by a 2070 mAh battery and will last a complete day even if we put the screen brightness at
the highest level and use 3G data all the time.
Can play video games continuously for 7 to 8 hours.
Camera: The phone has a 5MP rear camera and a 1.3MP front facing camera. The rear camera
can capture 720p video and also comes with an LED flash for taking pictures in lowlight
conditions.
Software: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Soon, upgradable to Android 4.4 KitKat software.
The Android 4.4 KitKat update is expected to bring some minor cosmetic improvements viz. white
notification icons, a transparent notification bar, a new Phone dialer app, some camera
improvements in addition to other changes under the hood.
Veteran Nepali Congress President, Mr. Sushil Koirala (75) elected as Prime Minister of Nepal, after
he secured more than twothirds of the votes in the Parliament of Nepal. He would be the sixth head
of government since the country became a Republic in 2008, following a peace deal with Maoist
rebels in 2006.
Mr. Sushil Koirala
Received 405 votes while 148 votes were cast against him out of the present 583 legislators that took
part in the voting in the Parliament in the Kathmandu a short while ago.
Became the fourth prime minister from his family, after Matrika Prasad Koirala, Bishweshwar Prasad
Koirala and Girija Prasad Koirala.
Coalition form with the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist), the second largest party,
and some other smaller groups.
In a sevenpoint powersharing deal, both the parties (UML & NC) decided to draft a new constitution
and old fresh elections for the president and vice president within a year.
Had taken over the charge from Mr. Khil Raj Regmi, who was working as acting Prime Minister of
Nepal from March 14, 2013.
For the 2014 World’s Children’s Prize, Pakistani teenage rights activist Malala Yousafzai, John Wood
from the USA and Nepalese child rights worker Indira Ranamagar are nominated for an award also
known as the “Children’s Nobel Prize”.
Ms. Malala Yousafzai nominated for her courageous and dangerous fight for girls’ right to
education. She started to speak out for girls’ rights at the age of 11, when the Taliban banned girls
from going to school in the SwatValley in Pakistan.
Mr. John Wood nominated for his 15year fight for children’s right to education. John quit his job
as a manager at the Microsoft company to fulfil his dream: to fight poverty by giving children all
over the world the chance to go to school.
Ms. Indira Ramanagar nominated for her 20year struggle for prisoners’ children in Nepal. She
has built up an organisation called Prisoners Assistance Nepal (PA), which has rescued over a
thousand children from cramped, dirty prisons.
Indira Ramanagar and Prisoners Assistance:
Run three children‘s homes, two schools, and youth programs on organic agriculture, arts and
crafts, and more.
Support girls in villages to enable them to go to school. They are also given bikes, since they often
have a long journey to get to school.
Search for relatives and support them to take care of the children.
Make sure that children get a chance to visit their parents in prison.
Run programs allowing children to go to school during the day and stay with their mothers in
prison at night. They also educate mothers in prison up to Year 5 level and give them vocational
training.
Support prisoners who have been released, so that they can be reunited with their children.
Speak out for the weakest in society and fight for prisoners – especially women and their children
– to be treated in a fair and humane way.
About World’s Children’s Prize (WCP)
Also known as the Children’s Nobel Prize
The world’s largest annual educational program teaching young people about the rights of
the child, democracy and global friendship.
Vision: A world where the rights of the child are universally respected and where every new
generation grows up as humane global citizens.
Mission: To catalyze the growth and development of a more humane global community through an
integrated global educational program, engaging a growing number of children throughout the world.
The award programme, launched in 2000, is supported by 60,000 schools with 29.3 million students
in 109 countries and over 600 organisations.
Every year, three Child Rights Heroes are selected by the WCP Child Jury to be candidates for the
World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child.
The annual program concludes with a “Global Vote”, where children work together to choose their
Child Rights Hero. “Global Vote Days” are held in schools around the world like a democratic election.
The WCP Foundation is regulated by the Svensk Insamlingskontroll (Swedish Fundraising
Control), which protects the interests of donors and ensures that the funds raised are used
appropriately.
India and Germany signed two umbrella agreements for financial and technical cooperation, under
Indo German bilateral Development Cooperation framework. The Umbrella Agreements were
signed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram and German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation
and Development Gerd Mueller during their bilateral meeting.
The pacts were signed during an official sixday visit of German President Joachim Gauck.
The Umbrella Agreement on Financial Cooperation refers to concessional loans from Germany
for nine projects viz.
Himalaya Hydropower Programme (HPPCL).
Green Energy Corridors.
Promotional Programme for Energy Efficient New Residential HousingII (NHB).
Energy Efficiency in Thermal Power Plants (WBPDCL).
Affordable Housing Programme (NHB).
New Approaches in Microfinance and Microenterprise Finance (SIDBI)
Missing Middle Programme (SIDBI).
Madhya Pradesh Urban Sanitation and Environment Programme.
HimachalPradeshForest Ecosystems Climate Proofing Project.
The Umbrella Agreement for technical cooperation refers to 13 projects in Energy, Environment
and Sustainable economic development sectors, which are a priority sectors under the bilateral
development cooperation between the two nations.
Apple India relaunched the production of iPhone 4 in India, Indonesia and Brazil. This is the first
time that the American technology giant Apple has resumed the production of a discontinued phone.
The company prides itself on pushing the design and technology envelope with every release and
progressively stops the sale of older models.
Why American technology giant Apple restarted the production of iPhone 4?
Apple Inc. ceased the selling of iPhone 4 in many countries, owing to the launch of the iPhone 5s
and the iPhone 5c. Due to this move, Apple lost the share and growth slowed in the last quarter in
the markets of India, Brazil and Indonesia. Thus, to resume the growth Apple relaunched the
product iPhone 4 in these countries.
The lower cost iPhone will help Apple to recoup market share in these countries.
This combat market leaders Samsung’s Grand and S4 Mini. Apple’s Foxconn vendor in China has
restarted production of the iPhone 4.
Note: The entry level iPhone 5s sells for Rs. 53,500 in India, while the entry level iPhone 5c is Rs.
41,900. The reintroduced 8GB iPhone 4 retails for Rs. 22,900.
Former Miss World, top notch model and a powerhouse performer, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
(40)has voted the world’s fourth most beautiful woman in a recent poll conducted by online magazine
Hollywood Buzz.
Aishwarya ranked fourth on the list of Top Thirty Most Beautiful Women after Italian actress Monica
Belluci and American modelactress Kate Upton.
Aishwarya Rai and Deepika Padukone are the only Indian women to feature in the list. Ms.
Padukone ranked 29th in the list.
The poll conducted in December 2013 by Hollywood Buzz, listed the “Official Top 30 World’s Most
Beautiful Women of 2014”. Over 4 million people across the world participated in the poll and
selected the most intelligent, desirable and successful women of 201314.
The parameters of judging were based on intelligence, desirability and success.
Top Ten stunners that rule the list of the World’s Most Beautiful Women 2014:
1. Monica Bellucci
2. Kate Upton
3. Angelina Jolie
4. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
5. Irina Shayk
6. Meryem Uzerli
7. Charlize Theron
8. Amber Heard
9. Rihanna
10. Scarlet Johansson
The list of thirty also includes musicians Beyonce, Katy Perry and Rihanna, with a sprinkling of
models viz.AdrianaLima, Irina Shayk and Miranda Kerr, etc. The list of thirty also includes
musicians Beyonce, Katy Perry and Rihanna, with a sprinkling of models viz.AdrianaLima, Irina
Shayk and Miranda Kerr, etc.
Yahoo Inc. broadcasted that usernames and passwords of its email customers have stolen and used
to gather personal information for those Yahoo mail users who have recently corresponded with. The
company didn’t say how many accounts have been affected.
Danger: access to email accounts could lead to more serious breaches involving banking and
shopping sites. This is because many people reuse passwords across many sites, and also
because many sites use email to reset passwords.
The company believes that the usernames and passwords weren’t collected from its own systems,
but from a thirdparty database. It’s not clear why a thirdparty database would have information
on Yahoo accounts.
Yahoo is resetting passwords on affected accounts and has “implemented additional measures”
to block further attacks.
Note: As per the research firm comScore, Yahoo is the secondlargest email service worldwide,
after Google’s Gmail. There are 273 million Yahoo mail accounts worldwide, including 81 million in
the US.
Bill Gates assumes role of “Founder and technology advisor” of MicrosoftJohn
Thompson appointed as the new Chairman of Microsoft
Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates assumed a new role on the Board as Founder and Technology
Advisor. He will help Satya Nadella (the new CEO of Microsoft) in shaping technology and product
direction and will devote more time in making Microsoft Office more interactive and building a cloud
platform as examples of ways Microsoft can innovate in the future. He stepped down as chairman of
Microsoft in February 2014.
About Bill GatesAn American business magnate, investor, programmer, inventor and
philanthropist.
Founded Microsoft in 1975 with his childhood friend Paul Allen and served as Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) until 2000.
Chairman of the Microsoft board until Feb. 4, 2014.
As per recent poll conducted by The Times, Mr. Bill Gates is the most admired person on Earth.
Known for donating large sums of money to charitable organizations and scientific research and is
highly regarded globally.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (B&MGF or the Gates Foundation): founded by Bill and
Melinda Gates in 1997.
Objective of the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation: to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme
poverty, and to expand educational opportunities and access to information technology.
Note: Mr. John Thompson appointed as the new Chairman of Microsoft by the Board of Directors
at a meeting held in Washington, US. He succeeded Bill Gates who assumed the role of Technology
Advisor to the CEO of Microsoft. Mr. Thompson had joined the Board of Microsoft in 2012. He was
also the former chairman and CEO of Symantec Corp.
Indianborn Mr. Satya Nadella (46) appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member
of the Board of Directors of the Internet giant Microsoft. Previously, he was the executive vice
president of Microsoft’s cloud and enterprise group, responsible for building and running the
company’s computing platforms, developer tools and cloud services.
Mr. Nadella is only the third chief executive in Microsoft’s 39year history, following cofounder Bill
Gates and Steve Ballmer. He succeeded Mr. Steve Ballmer.
About Mr. Satya Nadella
Born: 1967 in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.
Residence:Bellevue, Washington, US.
Started career as a member of the technology staff at Sun Microsystems.
Joined Microsoft in1992.
Played a major role in Microsoft’s transition to the cloud: During his long tenure, he lead
major strategy and technical shifts across the company’s portfolio of products and services viz.
development of one of the largest cloud infrastructures in the world supporting Bing, Xbox, Office
and other services.
Played a key role in bringing some of Microsoft’s most popular technologies viz. its database,
Windows server and developer tools, to the cloud, called Window Azure.
Helped Microsoft to bring a cloud version of Microsoft Office to the cloud, Office 365. Microsoft
says Office 365 is one of its fastest growing products ever.
Currently, responsible for a huge, largely invisible part of Microsoft’s business.
Note: As per Mr. Nadella’s new employment agreement, the Indianorigin CEO of software major
Microsoft will be paid his salary on “semimonthly” basis at an annual rate of $1.2 million (Rs 7.5
crore). His annual salary would be determined by the company’s Executive Incentive Programme
(EIP).
On the Kashmir Solidarity Day, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif invited India to engage in a
“comprehensive, sustained and resultoriented” dialogue with Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir
issue. The mountainous region of Kashmir has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan for
more than 60 years. The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that the Indian leadership would
realize the sensitivity of the issue and will respond to his invitation of dialogue in a positive manner
and give right to selfdetermination to the people of Kashmir.
Why is Kashmir disputed?
The territory of Kashmir was hotly contested even before India and Pakistan won their independence
from Britain in August 1947.
Under the partition plan provided by the Indian Independence Act of 1947, Kashmir was free to
accede to India or Pakistan.
The Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, wanted to stay independent but eventually decided to
accede to India, signing over key powers to the Indian government – in return for military aid and
a promised referendum. Since then, the territory has been the spark for two of the three India
Pakistan wars: the first in 19478, the second in 1965.
In 1999, India fought a brief but bitter conflict with Pakistanibacked forces who had infiltrated
Indiancontrolled territory in the Kargil area.
Currently a boundary – the Line of Control – divides the region in two, with one part
administered by India and one by Pakistan. India would like to formalise this status quo and make
it the accepted international boundary. But Pakistan and Kashmiri activists reject this plan because
they both want greater control over the region.
Kashmir Solidarity Day
Also known as “Kashmir Day” is a national holiday in Pakistan.
Celebrated every year since 1990 as a day of protest against Indian control of part of Kashmir on
February 5.
Why is “Kashmir Solidarity Day” celebrated?
Objective: As per Pakistan, in order to provide sympathetic and political support to the Kashmiri
separatists people who they believe are struggling for their freedom from the Indian rule. (The part of
Kashmir which are under control of Pakistan are Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit–Baltistan).
Dedicated to show Pakistan’s support and unity with the people of Indianoccupied Kashmir, their
ongoing freedom struggle, and to pay homage to Kashmiri martyrs who lost their lives fighting for
Kashmir’s freedom.
The Chinese warships conducted rare exercises in the Indian Ocean, and then a three ship flotilla of
Chinese warships entered the West Pacific Ocean to start a drill there. The warships from the Nanhai
Fleet are destroyers Wuhan and Haikou and China’s largest amphibious landing craft
Changbaishan.
The ships conducted 10 exercises viz. antipirate, joint search and rescue, and damage control
drills in the Indian Ocean.
Exercises based on defense and settlement of emergencies: conducted to test the command
system’s response and soldiers’ combat skills.
The threeship flotilla consists of an amphibious landing craft and destroyer. Changbaishan:China’s
largest landing ship by gross tonnage and is equipped with an advanced weapons system. The flotilla
passed along the LombokStrait, Makassar Strait and the SulawesiSea to enter the West Pacific
Ocean.
The Parisbased Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released an international report on money
laundering and terrorist financing.
Objective: To identify the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (ML/TF) vulnerabilities and
risks of the “diamond pipeline” that covers all sectors in the diamond trade: production, rough
diamond sales, cutting and polishing, jewelry manufacturing and jewelry retailers.
Excerpts of the Parisbased FATF report
China and India are major markets where diamond trade is done on a large scale.
India, Israel, Belgium, Canada and the USA has reported instances where diamond prices were
overvalued for purposes of laundering and suspected financing. In these countries trade accounts
of diamond business are being used to launder illegal funds to the tune of millions of dollars.
The closed and opaque nature of the diamond markets and the high value of diamonds combined
with a lack of expertise in this area on the part of the authorities have left this industry susceptible
to abuse by criminals.
In cases of suspicious money laundering instances of diamond trade, the funds transfer occurred
from India, Israel and Switzerland to the UAE.
India reported a relatively large number of sanitized cases (12) in which suspicious transaction
reports were received (in connection with diamond trade). In these specific cases, Hong Kong,
China is a destination for illicit cash flows related to the diamond trade.
Diamond trade, as an international phenomenon, needed a complete and global analysis to
understand and determine money laundering and terrorist financing threats and vulnerabilities
related to this unique trade.
The risks and vulnerabilities of the diamonds trade, identified in this report are
Global nature of trade – The trade in diamonds is transnational and complex, thus convenient for
ML/TF transactions that are, in most cases, of international and multijurisdictional nature.
Use of diamonds as currency – Diamonds are difficult to trace and can provide anonymity in
transactions.
Trade Based Money Laundering (TBML) – the specific characteristics of diamonds as a
commodity and the significant proportion of transactions related to international trade make the
diamonds trade vulnerable to the different laundering techniques of TBML in general and
over/under valuation in particular.
High amounts – the trade in diamonds can reach tens of millions to billions of dollars. This has
bearing on the potential to launder large amounts of money through the diamond trade and also
on the level of risks of the diamonds trade.
Level of awareness – law enforcement and AML / CFT authorities, including Financial
Intelligence Units (FIUs), have limited awareness of potential ML/TF schemes through the trade
in diamonds.
Note: FATF is a Parisbased multidisciplinary and intergovernmental body whose purpose is the
development and promotion of national and international policies to combat money laundering and
terrorist financing. It was founded at the 1989 OECD Economic Summit as a response by the heads
of state of the G7 nations to the growing problem of money laundering.
India and Fiji signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) for the avoidance of double
taxation and for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
The DTAA signed in New Delhi by the Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and Fiji’s Minister of Justice,
Public Enterprises, and Industry and Trade Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum. Mr. SayedKhaiyum also holds
charges of Communications, Civil Aviation and Tourism.
It will provide tax stability to the residents of India and Fiji and facilitate mutual economic
cooperation. The move will also stimulate the flow of investment, technology and services between
both countries.
The agreement also incorporates provisions for an effective exchange of information and assistance
in collection of taxes between tax authorities of the two countries including exchange of banking
information.
Scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder sequenced the bacteria of the red postman
butterfly to learn more about the insect’s three major stages of life. The new study that has
sequenced internal bacteria makeup of a butterfly has revealed some surprise discoveries about
metamorphosis. It has shown that the internal microbial makeup of the red postman butterfly
changed dramatically from caterpillar to pupa to adult. This is the first time researchers have ever
sequenced the entire microbiome of a butterfly.
The red postman is a tropical butterfly found commonly in Central and South America. Scientific
name: Heliconius erato.
Objective of study: To help the agriculture industry understands why butterflies and caterpillars
can be damaging to crops.
Why the red postman butterfly chose by scientists to study bacteria?
Typically, butterflies feed on nectar and have very short lifespan. However, the red postman
butterflies can extract nutrients from the pollen and greatly extend its life. They feed on pollen, known
to be rich in amino acids.
As per the study
The red postman’s internal bacteria split in half upon transitioning from caterpillar to chrysalis. Also
known as the pupil stage, the internal bacteria then doubled again when it went from the chrysalis
into butterfly adulthood.
In other words, the microbial community simplified and reorganized itself during the transition from
caterpillar to pupa. The diversity double after the adult butterflies had emerged and began going
about their business of feeding.
Butterflies are ‘microbial habitats’ for bacteria. Butterflies are ecologically and scientifically
important, and their transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis to winged adult is one of the most
remarkable phenomena of the natural world.
Objective of the study: The communities of bacteria inhabiting other insects have been shown to
affect host nutrition, digestion, detoxification and defense from predators, parasites and pathogens.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe approved domestic trading in the Chinese Yuan (CYN), Indian
Rupee (INR), Japanese Yen (JPY) and Australian Dollar (AUD) and soon these currencies will
become legal tender.
The central bank of Zimbabwe advised the exporters and the general transacting public that in
addition to open accounts denominated in Botswana Pula, British Sterling Pound, Euro, South African
Rand, United States Dollar, individuals and corporate can also open accounts denominated in the
Australian Dollar (AUD), Chinese Yuan (CYN), Indian Rupee (INR) and Japanese Yen (JPY).
Till now, Zimbabwe accepted the US dollar and the South African rand as the main legal tender,
which helped the country to stabilize the economy after worldrecord inflation threw it into a tailspin.
The addition of four Asian currencies to the international currencies stands to nine which are
circulating in the country.
Note: Zimbabwe was forced to abandon its own currency in 2009 amid chronic hyperinflation and a
deep economic crisis and introduced a basket of foreign currencies dominated by the US dollar.
Indian cricket team slumped to its worst ODI series defeat in New Zealand. New Zealand won the
series by 40 in Wellington by thrashing India by 87 runs in the fifth and final ODI.
It’s 5th time that India have not won a match in a fivematch (or more) bilateral series. Last time they
failed to win even a single match in a bilateral series involving five or more matches, was in England
in 2011, when they lost three matches, tied one and one game was abandoned.
Including this defeat, India has now gone without a win in seven consecutive ODIs that have
ended in a result.
This is only the third time New Zealand have finished unbeaten in a series in which they have
played five or more matches.
New Zealand player, Kane Williamson became only the second batsman in ODIs to hit fiftyplus
scores in all the matches of a fivematch series. Before that, Pakistan’s Yasir Hameed hit four
fifties and a century in a fivematch series against New Zealand in 200304, is the other batsman
to achieve this feat.
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the fourth fastest batsman to complete 8,000 runs in
oneday cricket during the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand in Wellington. The three men
ahead of him in the list are famous compatriots Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and the
West Indian legend Brian Lara. Dhoni has taken 214 innings to touch the landmark.
Scientists of the Jilin University, China have invented a printer that uses water to print, instead of
ink. After about 22 hours, the paper fades back to a plain sheet of white paper, allowing it to be re
used.
The “waterjet” technology is capable of reprinting numerous times, spares people their money and
saves trees. As per the statistics, many papers (40% of office Prints) are throwing into the dustbin
after the single reading.
What technology applies in the waterjet printer?
In the waterjet printer, the technology work is the paper, which is treated with an invisible dye that
colours upon exposure to water and later disappears. It uses a dye compound called oxazolidine
that gives a clear, blue print in less than one second upon application of water.
Within a day, the used paper fades back to white which makes it reusable.
At temperature lesser than 35 degree Celsius, the print would fade away in 22 hours, while at
higher temperature, it would fade faster. The technology is ideal for documents that are printed to
be read once and then discarded.
At 70 degree Celsius , the colour disappears within about 30 seconds.
At present, there are four waterprinted colours – blue, magenta, gold and purple. Though, they
can only print in one hue at a time.
The technology does not require changing a printer but only replacing the ink in the cartridge with
H20, using a syringe.
A chemistry professor, Mr. Sean XiaoAn Zhang, supervised the work.
The scientists are also working on a machine that will heat preprinted sheets of paper as they are
fed into the machine, fading the pages instantaneously for reprinting. Their next step is to improve
both the resolution and the duration of the print.
Chinese people marked the arrival of the “New Lunar Year” generally considered an auspicious time,
across China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This year is the Year of the Horse, which is said to bring
prosperity and wealth. The horse signifies kindness, strength, and gregariousness.
As per the Chinese tradition, the Lunar New Year is an ideal moment visit in temple to pray and put
incense sticks in place. It is a longheld traditional holiday for the Chinese people. It is commonly
celebrated by Chinese people across the globe. The Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day
of the Chinese calendar, and this year it fall on January 31.
The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional festival in
China. It begins on the first day of the first lunar month (usually in late January or early February) and
ends on the 15th day of the first lunar month (Lantern Festival).
India ranked 155th out of 178 countries with an index score of 31.23 points, in its efforts to address
environmental challenges, in the 2014 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) issued by Yale
University. Regardless of an improvement in overall performance, India ranks behind China (118),
Pakistan (148) and Nepal (139). Among the BRICS nations, South Africa was placed at 72nd
position, followed by Russia (73), Brazil (77) and China (118).
About 2014 Environmental Performance Index (EPI)
Prepared by America’s Yale and Columbia universities in collaboration with the World Economic
Forum (WEF) as well as with support from the Samuel Family Foundation and the McCall
MacBain Foundation.
Released at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Objectives that provide the overarching structure of the 2014 EPI: Environmental Health and
Ecosystem Vitality.
The 178 nations in the index represent 99% of the global population, 98% of the world’s total land
area and 97% of the global GDP.
Ranking based on High priority environmental indicators: health impacts, air quality, water
and sanitation, water resources, agriculture, forests, fisheries, biodiversity and habitat, climate
and energy.
The overall list is topped by Switzerland followed by Luxembourg, Australia, Singapore and Czech
Republic.
The least five performers: Somalia, Mali, Haiti, Lesotho, Afghanistan – all are grappling with civil
unrest, significant economic development pressures, and political turmoil.
The EPI ranks how well countries perform on highpriority environmental issues in two broad policy
areas: Protection of human health from environmental harm and protection of ecosystems.
Professor Dr. Tej Vir Singh won the 2013 UNWTO Ulysses Prize for Excellence in the Creation and
Dissemination of Knowledge in Madrid, Spain.
About Professor Dr. Tej Vir Singh
Belong to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Established the CTRD in 1976, a NonGovernment Organization (NGO) devoted to the cause of
tourism academics and research, with a special focus on India.
Founding director of the Centre for Tourism Research & Development (CTRD) in India.
And also founding editor of Asia oldest tourism journal ‘Tourism Recreation Research’.
Specialist in Himalayan tourism wrote many books on tourism and many papers on tourism
development and its impacts.
Note: The UNWTO Ulysses Prize is given to a distinguished scholar, whether in academia,
government or private industry, for outstanding contributions to innovation and knowledge in tourism.
Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka won his first Grand Slam title with victory over an injuryhit Rafael
Nadal in the Australian Open final. He defeated Rafael Nadal by 63, 62, 36, 63 in Melbourne. By
this victory, he became the second Swiss man to win a Grand Slam singles title after 17time
champion Roger Federer.
The other winners of the Australia Open 2014
Women’s Singles: Li Na (China) won her first Australian Open title against firsttime major finalist
Dominika Cibulková (Slovakia)
Mixed doubles: Kristina Mladenovic (Fra) & Daniel Nestor (Can) beat Sania Mirza (Ind) & Horia
Tecau (Rou).
Men’s Doubles: Łukasz Kubot (Poland) and Robert Lindstedt (Sweden) took the men’s doubles
title with a victory over Eric Butorac(USA) and Raven Klaseen (South Africa).
Women’s Doubles: Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci were the defending chanmpions and
successfully defended their title, by defeating Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina in the final.
Note: The 2014 Australian Open is the 102nd edition of the tournament, held at MelbournePark in
Melbourne, Australia.
Australia beat England by 5 runs in 5th ODI at Adelaide and won the series by 41 in Australia.
Key Players of ODI Series 2014:
Man of the series: Aaron Finch (for 258 runs in the series including two centuries)
Man of the Match: James Faulkner (for his 237 and impressive death bowling)
The tour of England to Australia will come to end after the three T20 matches that will be played in
Hobart (January 29), in Melbourne (January 31) and in Sydney (February 2). England has already
been clean swiped in the Ashes series 50 by Australia.Recently, Australia reclaimed the Ashes test
series by defeating England by 50 in Australia.
The Nation celebrated 65th Republic Day this year. The main function held at Rajpath, Delhi where
President Pranab Mukherjee unfurled the tricolour and take salute of the Parade. The Parade
showcased India’s military might and cultural diversity to the world. Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo
Abe was the chief guest at this year’s Republic Day parade. He is the first ever Japanese dignitary to
grace the occasion.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is on an official visit to India from January 25 to 27 at the
invitation of his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh. Their discussions added substance and
content to the India Japan Strategic and Global Partnership.
PM Shinzo Abe announced a loan of $2 billion for 3rd phase expansion of Delhi Metro that would
add another 103 km to the network.
Both the countries signed eight pacts in various fields including power generation, culture, education
and tourism. The pacts were signed after the delegation level talks between the Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in New Delhi.
As per the Global Services Survey, India is the most preferred destinations for offshore IT and
business process outsourcing services market.
The six Indian cities — Bangalore, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune — are
among 8 top global destinations for outsourcing of services.
The survey conducted by Cyber Media in association with Tholons, an investment advisory firm
reveals that outsourcers consider process maturity, availability of relevant skills and costs in the
individual city as top reasons before deciding on the location. As per the survey:
In the list of world’s top 100 outsourcing destinations, top 8 outsourcing cities are located in
India and the Philippines.
India’s dominance is because of an ‘unbeatable mix’ of low costs, deep technical and language
skills, mature vendors and supportive government policies.
The report shows that India’s advantage in the BPO sector is because of the market size, which is
far greater than that of the Philippines.
39 of the top 100 locations in the latest survey are from AsiaPacific.
Poland is increasingly seen as a great destination to offer IT and ITeS services to European
locations, particularly given its wide mix of language capabilities.
The top 10 overall ranked cities for outsourcing: Bangalore, Manila (NCR), Mumbai, Delhi NCR,
Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Cebu City (Philippines), Krakow and Dublin.
Indianorigin academician, Mr. Rakesh Khurana(46) has been appointed dean of the prestigious
Harvard College. He succeeds Evelynn Hammonds, Professor of History of Science and of African
and African American Studies at Harvard and will assume his new role on July 1, 2014. At present, he
is the ‘Marvin Bower’Professor of Leadership Development at Harvard Business School (HBS),
professor of sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), and comaster of Cabot House at
Harvard.
About Mr. Rakesh Khurana
Ph.D. in 1998 through a joint program between HBS and Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and
Sciences.
Appointed to the HBS faculty in 2000 and became comaster of Cabot in 2010.
Coauthored “Handbook for Leadership Theory and Practice” (2010) and “The Handbook for
Teaching Leadership” (2012), seminal texts on leadership theory and pedagogical practice.
Recognized by the London Times as one of “The Thinkers 50”, a list of the fifty most influential
management thinkers in the world.
Note: Harvard College is the school within Harvard University that grants undergraduate degrees.
The Indianborn scientist and Professor (Emeritus) at StanfordUniversity, Mr. Arogyaswami Joseph
Paulraj (69), won the prestigious Marconi Society Prize 2014 for developing the theory and
applications of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antennas.
His idea for using multiple antennas at both the transmitting and receiving stations, which is at the
heart of the current high speed WiFi and 4G mobile systems, has revolutionized high speed wireless
delivery of multimedia services for billions of people. MIMO boosts data rate by creating multiple
parallel spatial data streams and is the key to the latest wireless broadband networks like 4G cellular.
Every wifi router and 4G phone uses MIMO technology that was pioneered by Mr. Paulraj.
Mr. Paulraj is the only Indiaborn scientist to receive both the Marconi Prize and the IEEE
Alexander Graham Bell Medal– the two top global IT technology awards.
About Marconi Society Prize
Also known as “Tech Nobel”
Founded: 1974 by Guglielmo Marconi’s daughter Gioia Marconi Braga to mark the centennial of
her father’s birth and memorialize his spirit of ingenuity in service to humanity. (He was the radio
inventor).
Headquarters:San FranciscoBayArea, United States.
Prize: $100,000 honorarium and a sculpture and its honorees become Marconi Fellows.
Annual award
Rrecognizes advancements in communications awarded by the Marconi Foundation.
Winners typically include scientists whose mathematical theories and inventions have shaped the
Internet and broadband access, public key encryption, Web search, wired and wireless
transmission, multimedia publishing, optical fiber and satellite communications.
Previous winners: Google cofounders Larry Page and Sergey Bin, world wide web (www)
designer Tim BernersLee, father of internet Vint Cerf, cell phone inventor Martin Cooper and
fibreoptic communications developer Charles Kao, etc.
The society is celebrating its 50th year in 2014.
Note: An electrical engineer, Paul worked for the Indian Navy which then sent him to IIT Delhi for an
M.S program. He is known for pioneering the development of military sonars (APSOH family). He
also served as the founding director for three major labs in India – CAIR (Center for Artificial
Intelligence and Robotics ), CDAC (Center for Development of Advanced Computing) and CRL
(Central Research Labs of Bharat Electronics).
At the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) a thesis titled “The New Bihar: Rekindling
Governance and Development” launched. It was edited by Rajya Sabha MP N K Singh and director
of LSE India Observatory Nicholas Stern. In it, the growth of the Bihar was the core point of
discussion
Bihar is a state with a long and rich history which hit rock bottom for about 2 decades and got left
behind from the mainstream development of the country.
It is one of the India’s poorest and most populous states.
Nevertheless, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the states’ turn around growth
is the matter of discussion in the London School of Economics (LSE).
Its turnaround in the last eightnine years has seen a growth rate of 13.5 % last year.
Still, Bihar needs additional and incremental growth because estimates show that if the state
continues to grow at 13 %, it will take 20 years to approximate India’s average rate of growth.
Indian High Commissioner Mr. Ranjan Mathai stated that the Bihar story proves that the relatively low
base as a starting point and small changes in policies and regulations can trigger growth.
The Egyptian constitution 2014 approved in a referendum.The newlyapproved constitution replaces
the Egyptian Constitution of 2012 which came into effect under former President, Mohammed Morsi.
The Supreme Electoral Committee (SEC) declared that the newly drafted national charter approved
by 98.1% voters.
The referendum is a key step in the political transition plan by the militarybacked interim
government on the road to democracy. It stated that the constitution would be followed by
parliamentary elections and presidential polls.
The referendum shows that citizens of Egypt indirectly support military chief General AbdelFattah
elSissi as Presidential candidate.
Salient features of Egyptian constitution
Drafted by a liberaldominated committee appointed by the government.
Chairman of the Constituent Assembly: Veteran Egyptian diplomat Mr. Amr Moussa.
Support the Egypt’s three key institutions: the military, the police and the judiciary.
State religion: Islam; a basis for the country’s law system; though freedom of religion is also
guaranteed.
Ban on political parties, who are based on religion.
Gave women equal rights and protect the status of minority Christians.
The President will be elected for a fouryear term, and may serve for two terms.
The parliament may impeach the president.
The Minister of Defense is to be chosen by the military for the first 8 years.
Note: The Islamists led by Muslim Brotherhood boycotted the referendum.
The Thai government imposed a 60day state of emergency in the capital, Bangkok, and the
surrounding provinces to cope with unrest. The decree gives the government wideranging powers to
deal with disorder.
It would suppress the antigovernment protest that has blocked the parts of the capital and to take
care of the situation and to enforce the law.
The emergency decree bans public gatherings, censor the news reports and imposition of curfew
for next 60 days. The emergency measure came into effect from January 22, 2014.
To suppress the unrest of the country, the Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has already called
in for elections on February 2, 2014.
Why are they protesting?
Protesters accused PM Yingluck Shinawatra (46), of being a puppet of her elder brother, former
PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
Mr. Thaksin came into power in 2001 and won support among the rural poor for populist policies
viz. microfinance schemes, subsidized fuel, universal health care, etc.
Though, the regard he received teased traditional elites, and he was accused of overshadowing
wellregarded King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Finally, he was expelled by a military coup in 2006 and convicted of corruption in absentia,
charges he insists were politically motivated.
The recent demonstrations began early November as opposition to a now shelved amnesty bill that
would have allowed the billionaire telecoms mogul to return home a free man and united with some
$1.2 billion in seized cash and assets. In other words, causes of the protest are
Proposed amnesty bill pardoning wrongdoings of all sides since 2004.
Influence of Thaksin Shinawatra on Thai politics.
Proposed amendment to the 2007 constitution making the Senate fully elected.
What do the protesters want?
The protesters want to overthrow Yingluck’s democraticallyelected government and replace it with
an unelected “people’s council”.
They fear that the government has been buying votes with irresponsible spending pledges aimed
at its support base – thereby creating a faulty democracy and harming the Thai economy.
Note: Thaksinallied parties have won the last four elections, because of their rural support base.
What are the economic consequences?
The political unrest of the country has led the Thai government to issue an advisory for the tourists
asking them to be alert and try to avoid the sites of protest.
At least 45 nations, viz. USA, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Canada and Brazil, etc, issued
travel warnings because of the protests.
At present, hotel occupancy is around 50% compared with a seasonal norm of up to 90%.
Note: Thailand is a tourist Mecca that receives over 20 million foreign visitors annually, and Bangkok
became the world’s most visited city in 2013, with 15.98 million international overnight visitors.
The 44th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting at Davos, Switzerland from January 22 to
25, 2014.
The event sets the key priorities and challenges for the world to tackle in 2014.
Theme: ‘The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Society, Politics and Business’.
Objective: To develop the insights, initiatives and actions necessary to respond to current and
emerging challenges.
Approx 40 heads of state or government among more than 2,500 global leaders from over 100
countries are attending the WEF viz. UK, Australia, Japan, Iran, India, Israel, Brazil, Italy,
Mauritius, Republic of Korea , etc.
From India a 125member delegation including senior ministers and top corporate leaders are
attending the meeting.
During the summit, in addition to economic issues and hardcore business talks, problems in Syria,
Iran’s possible return to global diplomatic tables, future of euro zone are expected to hog the
limelight.
The Swiss bank has put up innovative ideas to attract rich clients from India and other countries
by providing services like ‘cash courier’ as well as by offering large metal vaults to store currency
notes, gold, artworks and other valuables. Also, on the platter is advice to put money in virtual
currencies, especially in the wake of Bitcoin ATMs becoming operational in Zurich.
The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving
the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape
global, regional and industry agendas.
Mr. Hery Rajaonarimampianina (55) has been declared as the President of Madagascar to
restore democracy on the island nation in the following elections. He was officially declared as the
president of the country by the president of the special electoral court, Mr. Francois Rakotozafy. Mr.
Hery got 53.49 % votes during the runoff presidential election while Jean Louis Robinson had 46.51
%.
Mr. Hery is the 8th elected Malagasy president and 11th chief of state since Madagascar’s
independence in 1960. He was the former Finance Minister of Madagascar. The World Bank in its
report on Madagascar estimated that the political crisis of the country costs it around $8 billion in lost
growth. In 2012, the economy of the country grew just by 3.1%, which made it to lag behind most
African nations.
Note: The election is an attempt to restore normality to the country and to induce foreign investment
and boost anemic growth.
Author Amish Tripathi, who created waves in Indian publishing with a $1 million book contract, has
cracked it even bigger this time with an American producer purchasing the rights to “The Immortals
Of Meluha”.
The Bollywood director Karan Johar has obtained the rights for an adaptation of the popular book,
the English rights of the same has gone to an undisclosed American producer.
About Amish Tripathi
Born: October 18, 1974 in Mumbai.
Bankerturnedauthor, as he worked 14 years in the financial services industry, before starting his
writing career.
Novels: The Immortals of Meluha, The Secret of the Nagas and The Oath of the Vayuputras. The
three books collectively comprise the Shiva Trilogy.
Awards: Society Young Achievers Award for Literature, India’s New Icons, Celebrities Top 100 list.
Note: The Immortals of Meluha is the first novel of the Shiva trilogy series and is the fastest selling
book, available in many languages.
The US Congress has not approved International Monetary Fund (IMF) reforms because it has
refused to ratify a capital increase for the fund which was agreed to four years ago.
(In 2010, the United States of America agreed to double the IMF’s quotas to a total of US$720
billion). The reform seeks to increase the quota of developing countries in the IMF by six percentage
points and also move two of the 24 directorships from European to developing countries.
With the US refusal to sign off on a higher quota for developing countries viz. India, etc in the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given the Indian government an opportunity to save Rs
14,000 crore that it had budgeted for this reform and could use it to support its fiscal deficit.
With the delay of the reform, the Indian government has got some space at a time when the
finance ministry has ruthlessly cut expenditure to stay within its fiscal deficit target of 4.8% of GDP
for 201314.
The government had budgeted Rs 56,574 crore for investment in international financial institutions
this fiscal.
About International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 188 countries, working to foster global
monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high
employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.
Headquarters:Washington, D.C.
About IMF quota system
The IMF’s quota system was created to raise funds for loans. Each IMF member country is
assigned a quota, or contribution, that reflects the country’s relative size in the global economy.
Each member’s quota also determines its relative voting power. Thus, financial contributions from
member governments are linked to voting power in the organization.
Quota formula is a weighted average of GDP (weight of 50 %), openness (30 %), economic
variability (15 %), and international reserves (5 %). For this purpose, GDP is measured through a
blend of GDP—based on market exchange rates (weight of 60 %)—and on PPP exchange rates
(40 %). The formula also includes a “compression factor” that reduces the dispersion in calculated
quota shares across members.
Quotas are denominated in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), the IMF’s unit of account. The largest
member of the IMF is the United States, with a current quota of SDR 42.1 billion (about $64
billion), and the smallest member is Tuvalu, with a current quota of SDR 1.8 million (about $2.7
million).
As per data released by China’s National Bureau of Statistics, the world’s secondlargest economy,
China’s economy, grew at its slowest pace in 14 years in 2013.
As per the data:
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at an annual rate of 7.7% in the OctobertoDecember
period, down from 7.8% in the previous quarter.
The 2013 GDP figure was the same as that for 2012, which was the worst rate of growth since
1999 and matched the median forecast in a survey of 14 economists by AFP.
China’s economy grew at slowest pace because there was a decrease in infrastructure investment
in the past few months due to a stronger intention by the central government to control credit
issuance and local government debt.
The GDP was still higher than the government’s target rate of 7.5%.
Note: Analysts expect that the Chinese economy could slow further this year (2014), as Beijing plans
to shift its focus away from exports and investment to domestic spending and consumption. In other
words, it has plans to move away from an investmentled growth model to one driven by domestic
consumption.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Pakistan’s troubled northwestern city of
Peshawar as the world’s “largest reservoir” of endemic polio and has called for urgent action to boost
vaccination.
As per the latest genomic results of the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Virus, 83 out of 91
polio cases in 2013 in the country are genetically linked to the poliovirus circulating actively in
Peshawar. KhyberPakhtunkhwa province and its capital Peshawar and adjoining tribal districts are
polio hotspots.
All the polio cases reported from Pakistan are type1 cases. No report of type3 polio cases has been
reported from Pakistan. Pakistan has been under pressure internationally to eradicate the disease,
which usually infects children living in unsanitary conditions. The disease attacks the nerves and can
kill or paralyze.
Pakistan, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, are the only countries in the world where polio remains
endemic. Pakistan is the only polioendemic country in the world where polio cases rose from 2012 to
2013.
As per Time magazine, if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins in the upcoming election and
Narendra Modi becomes India’s next Prime Minister, the atmosphere between India and the US may
become more tense which is already charged up following visa controversy involving Indian diplomat
Devyani Khobragade.
What is the issue between Narendra Modi and USA?
In 2005, the US State Department revoked Narendra Modi’s visa because of his alleged role in
Gujarat riots in February 2002. There is an American law that bars visit of a foreign official who is
responsible for or directly carried out particularly severe violations of religious freedom. But with Modi
in the fray for the post of Prime Minister, the US appears to be in a quandary whether to allow him
the visa or not. However, in the eventuality of Modi becoming India’s PM, the US will have to soften its
stance otherwise it will be detrimental for the ties between the two nations.
At the Western Kentucky University, an IndianAmerican scientist Chandrakanth Emani along with
his team is genetically engineering tulsi or basil to raise its pharmaceutical value.
They have genetically engineered tulsi to produce eugenol, a compound in tulsi that has a great
pharmaceutical value that can control breast cancer. Tulsi is a medicinal plant and has anti
cancerous metabolites.
About Tulsi or Basil
Common name: Holy Basil, Sacred Basil
Scientific name: Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum.
Family: Lamiceae or the mint plants category.
Chemical constituents: Eugenol, Ursolic acid, Rosmarinic acid, Chlorophyll, Caryophyllene,
Oleanolic acid, etc.
Nutritional compounds: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, etc.
Every part of this plant is useful and has been used traditionally as an Aurvedic medicine.
Uses: Cures a fever, protects Heart, alleviate stress, dissolves kidney stones, anticancerous,
keeps our skin and hair healthy and glowing, cures respiratory conditions, etc.
Tulsi can protect from radiation poisoning and can also heal damages from it. It acts as a vaccine
against pox if consumed regularly.
It is anti carcinogenic and it found to be effective in healing nearly all types of cancer and tumors.
Ms Jamila Bayaz (50) appointed as the first female police chief in Afghanistan. Ms Bayaz will lead the
District One of Kabul province in Afghanistan.
She joined Afghan police force more than three decades ago and presently, working as Colonel in
Kabul’s police force. The appointment will pave the way for more Afghani women to rise through the
ranks. It testifies that women position in Afghan society is improving since the Taliban were driven out
from power in 2001. District One of Kabul province houses the presidential palace and numerous
ministries. In addition to, it houses the Central Bank of Afghanistan and is the main money and
gold market of Afghanistan.
Note:Kabul province is divided into 22 districts. Each number specifies the name of the district and is
organized in ascending order in order of importance.
The World and European champion Spain remains No. 1 for the 29th consecutive month in the FIFA
men’s soccer rankings. Spain holds a big lead over Germany. Argentina was third, followed by
Colombia, Portugal, Uruguay, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Brazil. World Cup host Brazil is
10th, with the United States in 14th.
The FIFA world rankings are determined by points awarded from match results in a threeyear
period, with more recent games given greater weight. Teams get additional points for playing
relatively strong opponents. The next ranking update is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2014.
The top 25 was unchanged after a month that included only 18 international matches — all
exhibitions.
Scientists have unravelled the mystery behind why so many birds fly in a ‘V’ formation.
The birds fly in a ‘V’ formation to:
1. Conserve energy
2. Communicate more easily
Birds fly in a characteristic V formation to position themselves in “aerodynamically optimum
positions” whilst specifically timing the flapping of their wings. Researchers established that birds
flap their wings at just the right time so as maximize an updraft and minimize a downdraft. The
complex mechanisms involved in V formation flight specify extraordinary consciousness and
capability of birds to respond to the wingpath of close by flockmates.
Flying in a V formation assists each bird take benefit of “good air” (upwash) thrown up by
the wings of the flyer in front while nullifying disadvantageous ‘bad air’ (downwash).
Birds also flap their wings at just the right time so as maximize an updraft and minimize a
downdraft.
These aerodynamic activities were formerly not considered achievable for birds because of the
complex flight dynamics and sensory feedback that would be necessary to perform such an
accomplishment.
The complicated mechanisms involved in V formation flight indicate extraordinary consciousness and
capability of birds to react to the wingpath of nearby flockmates. Birds in V formation seem to have
developed intricate phasing strategies to deal with the dynamic wakes produced by flapping wings.
Why birds flying in Vformation frequently rotate positions?
Even though the V formation benefits all of the birds, the bird in the lead position has to work the
hardest. When this bird tires, it will drop out of the lead position and fall further back into one of the
lines of the V. Another bird from further back will rapidly move forward to take the leading position and
maintain the formation. The two birds in the furthest trailing positions also tire more rapidly
than those in the middle, so these positions are also rotated frequently to spread the most
fatiguing locations throughout the flock.
This cyclical reshuffle gives all birds the responsibility of being the leader as well as a chance to
benefit in the middle of the formation.
A second basis that may elucidate why birds fly in a ‘V’ formation is because this orientation permits
the birds to intercommunicate better. The V formation allows the birds with good visual contact of
each other to keep the flock together. This communication minimizes the possibility of losing
birds along the way as the formation crosses vast distances during migration.
Why a close formation flight among a group of aircraft is often difficult?
Albeit manned aircraft can also exploit the benefits of formation flight, it is difficult to do so since we
still lag behind nature in the ability of our technology to “feel” the air and adapt to it for optimum
performance. Close formation flight among a group of aircraft is often difficult to maintain because of
the turbulence created by the lead aircraft.
Perhaps one day we will be able to develop advanced technologies that make aircraft as sensitive to
their surroundings as the body of a bird is today. We may then be able to make better use of
formation flight to improve the efficiency of flying vehicles.
Do military aircrafts operating in Vformation enjoy the same benefits of reduced drag as do
birds or other benefits as do birds?
Military planes do still operate in V formations, but they are typically spaced too far apart to enjoy
the benefits of reduced drag. These aircraft instead fly in formation primarily to maintain
visibility of all the aircraft in the squadron in the same way that birds do.
Objective behind conducting the study:
To bring the northern bald ibis back to Europe, as the birds were lost because of uncontrollable
hunting. That is why researchers are making efforts to retrain the birds to navigate a migration route
that is not used by the birds anymore. Researchers proved this after fitting 14 northern bald ibises
with lightweight sensors. The birds were trained to migrate on a 1,000km route from Austria to
Tuscany by following a microlight.
The study helped researchers to understand that birds change their positions and alter the timing
of their wing flaps so as to have an aerodynamic advantage.
When birds fly in the V formation, swirls of upwardmoving air is generated by the wings of the bird
ahead that helps other birds to take advantage to fly easily without using any energy.
Many companies are lured by this idea of saving energy by gaining lifts from other birds to
develop Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or UAVs, that can fly in the energyefficient V formation.
The study was published in the journal Nature and was conducted by an international team led by
Steven Portugal of the Royal Veterinary College in London.

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